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The Atlanta Falcons selected cornerback Avieon Terrell, indicating a need to upgrade their cornerback corps. This decision comes despite their focus on strengthening the trenches and offensive skill positions.
Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Clemson defensive back Avieon Terrell (DB31) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By selecting Avieon Terrell, the Atlanta Falcons declared that their cornerback corps needed an upgrade despite their stated intent to build the trenches. In hindsight, the fact that the Falcons made no real attempt to add to a cornerback corps that had some concerns even as they plunged resources into the trenches and the offensive skill position groups might have clued us in to the Terrell pick. Regardless of whether that was a clue or Terrell was just viewed in Flowery Branch as being too good to pass up, his addition strengthens the cornerback group considerably, especially in terms of coverage.
What are the roster implications for the addition? Glad you asked.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to suggest that Terrell will beat out Hughes for the CB2 job opposite A.J. Terrell. In fact, I’d say it’s my expectation that in a scenario where everyone is healthy, both Terrells are starting with Billay Bowman Jr. at the nickel.
In that case, barring any sort of a trade, Hughes becomes a fantastic CB4. He can and has played both outside and at the nickel, and if his play at nickel in 2023 and outside in 2025 have been uneven, Hughes is capable of playing at the level of a solid starter at both spots. That makes him a tremendous reserve option, and that’s the best-case scenario here.
Of course, we don’t know if Bowman is going to be fully healthy for the start of the 2026 season, which complicates things a bit. In that scenario, both Hughes and Terrell will be starting, and it’s just a question of which one mans the nickel. The good thing for Atlanta is that both players have experience there, with Terrell logging over 100 snaps there in 2025 and Hughes playing there at multiple points in his NFL career.
Avieon Terrell's selection signifies an upgrade for the Falcons' cornerback group, potentially elevating Mike Hughes to the fourth cornerback position if all players are healthy.
The Falcons prioritized Terrell to address concerns in their cornerback corps, despite previously focusing on strengthening the trenches and offensive skill positions.
Terrell enhances the Falcons' defense significantly, particularly in coverage, which was a noted area of concern for the team.
Terrell's selection suggests a shift in the Falcons' roster strategy, emphasizing the need for better coverage in the secondary while still maintaining focus on other key positions.
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The hope is that Bowman is fine and Hughes moves to a role where he can spell any starter that needs it, which would be a boon for the secondary. Regardless, expect Terrell the Younger to start immediately.
Last year, the Falcons trotted out many options thanks to a rash of injuries at cornerback. C.J. Henderson, Natrone Brooks, and Cobee Bryant figured to be in the mix for a couple of spots this summer alongside Clark Phillips and special teamer Mike Ford Jr., with free agent signing Darnay Holmes also getting a shot.
Now? With both Terrells, Hughes, and Bowman here, there’s one or two spots available on the actual roster. That means this will be a heated battle, especially if Ford is viewed as a must-keep because of his work on teams. Bryant and Henderson would be the early favorites here, but it’ll be a summer of competition and some real intrigue for the down-roster options.
The Terrell pick addresses a tangible need with a talented player. The criticism that I’m already seeing is that the Falcons passed up bigger needs by getting him, leaving them with just a third round pick and three day three selections to address holes at tackle, defensive tackle, edge rusher, wide receiver, and whatever else you want to toss into the ring.
I get where those criticisms are coming from, especially because even your third round pick is not guaranteed to be a 2026 starter. It just means the work the Falcons have done to free up some space is going to become important to bolster any of the positions I just mentioned that they can’t add to with their remaining four picks, and to trust in the free agent additions they’ve already made.
If you want a high-end defensive tackle to really make this rotation great, though? Get the checkbook out.