Does it make sense for the Vikings to select Clemson cornerback Aveion Terrell with the 18th overall pick?
The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for a cornerback, as they currently lack top-tier talent and depth at the position. Luckily for them, an intriguing prospect pool awaits, as there are multiple cornerbacks of varying archetypes available. One of these is Avieon Terrell, the athletic, elite competitor from Clemson.
The Vikings are led by Isaiah Rodgers and Byron Murphy Jr, which is respectable, but not amazing. They are lacking young talent, with rookies Dwight McGlothern and Zemiah Vaughn as the only players under 26 years old in the room. It would be wise to invest noteworthy draft capital in the position in April.
Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of AJ Terrell, the all-pro cornerback on the Falcons. He was a three-star recruit in the class of 2023 and has been a high-impact player for Clemson, with three interceptions and 17 pass breakups in three seasons.
Zone coverage is where Terrell shines as he’s constantly surveying the quarterback's eyes and anticipating the pass. He gets ample depth, which allows him the time to respond and make a play on the ball. Pair this with his sensational ball skills to create a constant big-play threat for a defense.
Terrell is an outstanding athlete who can transition from backpedaling to sprinting with ease. He’s got fluid hips, which allow him to effortlessly mirror receivers in man coverage. It’s tough to run away from him, as Terrell has excellent straight-line speed.
Terrell doesn’t just shine against the pass, but also has an elite trigger against the run. He can be a little slow to react, but once he does, he turns into a rocket. This is applicable in both the run and screen games, as his fearlessness and competitive nature are evident.
Terrell isn’t the most natural tackler, but he has a knack for taking the ball away. He has eight forced fumbles in his career, five this year, and is constantly looking to strip the ball away. He never gives up on a play, chasing down the ball carrier and playing through the whistle.
The biggest issue with Terrell is his lackluster size. His 5-foot-11, 180 pounds frame is fine for college, but small for the NFL. He has sub-par play strength, which makes it challenging to separate from blocks and play press coverage. It would behoove him to add some weight before next season.
The Vikings can go several ways with their first-round pick, but they should highly consider selecting a cornerback. Avieon Terrell would be a spectacular fit who could reinvigorate a struggling secondary.