Scouting Future Saints: Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell

TL;DR

The New Orleans Saints are likely to target cornerback Avieon Terrell from Clemson in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move follows the departure of Alontae Taylor and adds intrigue to the Saints' rivalry with the Falcons, as Terrell is the brother of A.J. Terrell.

Key points

Saints likely targeting cornerback in 2026 NFL Draft
Avieon Terrell is a prospect from Clemson Tigers
Terrell is the younger brother of A.J. Terrell
Saints need to fill position after Alontae Taylor's departure
Saints have eighth overall pick in the draft

Mentioned in this story

Avieon TerrellA.J. TerrellAlontae Taylor

New Orleans SaintsClemson TigersAtlanta Falcons

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.

Avieon Terrell bio

Position: Cornerback
College: Clemson Tigers
Height: 5-feet, 11 inches
Weight: 186 pounds
Vertical jump: 34"
Broad jump: 10'3"

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.