Many predictions have the New Orleans Saints targeting a cornerback early in the 2026 NFL Draft. One name to watch is Avieon Terrell of the Clemson Tigers, younger brother of Atlanta Falcons corner A.J. Terrell. Such a pick would also add another juicy storyline to one of the NFL's best rivalries.
More than just trying to fill a story, the Saints also need to fill a position created by the departure of Alontae Taylor in free agency. New Orleans may do this in the first round with the eighth overall pick. Terrell shouldn't go that high, but could be among a handful in a talented cornerback class who could be avaliable when the Saints make their second round selection.
At Westlake High School in Georgia, Terrell committed to the Clemson Tigers, following in his brother's footsteps. He saw consistent action as a freshman in 2023, finishing with an interception and 4 pass breakups. By 2024, he was a key member of the Tigers secondary and had 2 interceptions, forced 3 fumbles, and broke up a team-leading 12 throws. That production earned him 2nd Team All-ACC recognition.
Clemson fell apart in 2025, but Terrell remained one of their few standout performers. While he didn't record an interception, he led the Tigers with 9 passes broken up and added 3 sacks and 5 forced fumbles, most of any NCAA player. He finished his collegiate career with a 1st Team All-ACC selection.
Able to play outside or inside with equal effectiveness
Sticky man coverage skills through the entire route
Needs to have better anticipation in off-ball duties
Can be boxed out by physical receivers in the red zone
A hamstring injury during Terrell's Pro Day at Clemson could cause his draft stock to fall, but not by much if at all. Terrell is arguably the most polished cover corner in the draft, can play either outside or from the slot, and brings the added bonus of solid run support. His size could ward off some, but he's a sure-fire early Day 2 pick with a strong chance at coming off the board in the first round.
Seriously, how juicy would it be to see Avieon Terrell square off against brother A.J. twice a year in one of the NFL's most bitter rivalries. More than that, Avieon Terrell would be an excellent replacement for Alontae Taylor and has the upside of developing into a top corner for the team that drafts him. If available to the Saints in the second round, Terrell would further bolster an already young and rising secondary.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Clemson Tigers corner Avieon Terrell scouting report