Falcons Rookie Avieon Terrell Could Earn Starting Role Quickly

The Atlanta Falcons have multiple position battles they need to find answers to before the first game of the season kicks off. 

The obvious one is who will start at quarterback between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., but some crucial spots on the Falcons' starting defense will need to be filled. Especially in the secondary 

The corner back position might be the most interesting battle heading into the Falcons' preseason. Atlanta used some of their top draft capital this season in picking up Avieon Terrell, the brother of A.J. Terrell Jr., and the rookie could potentially find himself starting as soon as week one. 

The former Clemson product has what it takes to be a premier corner at the NFL level, but things are trending in the right direction for him to see a bigger role from the jump. Mike Hughes will likely earn one of the starting corner positions. However, Terrell could push to take over as the primary outside man. If that isn't successful, he most likely will still see a decent amount of snaps, as Falcons corner Billy Bowman is still working to come back from an injury. 

The defense will be looking to take a huge step forward in 2026, as defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is potentially poised to take a head coaching role next offseason. In 2025, the Falcons' defense was great against the pass rush and against the run, but was in the middle of the pack across the NFL in passing yards allowed. This is something where the Terrell brothers could really step up this upcoming year. 

Atlanta will enter their third  OTA session on Tuesday before beginning mandatory minicamp on June 16th. There will be plenty of roster decisions, including who will make the team's 53-man roster. Between now and August, before the regular season begins.