Avieon Terrell is one of a Clemson cadre on defense that should fill rosters in the NFL in the next few drafts. And might have the most solid stock and NFL future. He is a major part of Kirby’s game plan, and is moved freely around the formation to get matchups that advantage the defense. He’s a shrewd defender with keen sense for good leverage, but one who’s zone instinct are still in need for development. However, he is a fluid and relentless man cover corner, who despite his projection in some parts, is most well heeled as an outside corner on the boundary or better, the field. There, he phases effortlessly has a very good kind of dual awareness of the QB and the WR. He also seems to have good insight into how they are trying to play him, and rarely falls into trap moves. His trigger on the ball is exceptional, even if his awareness is only B range. And this carries over to his tackling which is bon-a-fide, but sometimes late. As part of the safety rotation, at times, he does have a bookend of coverage understanding, but at this point in his young career, he’s better at the edge where his mean streak is best deployed.

Physically, there is mostly elite quality. But for his weight, which is 10-15 lbs lighter than optimum, Terrell should tick a number of boxes. His play strength is adequate for his size. His 71″ inch height is real, and NFL standard. He has impressive reach and leaping ability and the timing to make use of it. Most impressive is his raucous twitch and burst, the kind of recovery speed that keeps CBs in the bigs. He should time very well, because he is a true athlete when speed is concerned. Terrell is both football fast and will probably be gym shorts fast as well.

With a little seasoning, Terrell could be an NFL CB for a very long time, and has elite upside. He also hints at positional flexibility if he can stack weight and add to his chops rocking with LBers. Cutcall gives him a smooth red chip grade early in the process, and one that should carry over into the GM reality where he is a highly likely 1st round target with a ceiling outside the top 10.

prospect comps • devon witherspoon light
system fit • man cover mirror or field corner