ESPN draft expert praises Falcons for taking CB Avieon Terrell

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Apr 25, 2026 - 10:37

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ESPN draft expert praises Falcons for taking CB Avieon Terrell

The Atlanta Falcons have a new cornerback on the roster, and he comes from a good bloodline. Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons CB A.J. Terrell, was Atlanta's second-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The first pick of Ian Cunningham's tenure as general manager was well received by those around the league and the fans in Atlanta. Terrell was largely considered a Day 1 talent ahead of the draft. PFF ranked him as the 23rd overall prospect in this year's class, while ESPN's Matt Miller had Terrell as the 22nd prospect with an 87 overall grade.

Even though Terrell doesn't fill a major need, his talent was too good to pass up at pick No. 48 overall. Miller broke down Atlanta's second-round selection, calling Terrell "an absolute menace at corner" in his post-draft analysis:

What do you do when you have one Terrell locking down a cornerback spot but really wish you had another? You draft his younger brother. Avieon will join A.J., giving the Falcons an absolute menace at corner. Avieon Terrell was cited by multiple scouts as the most physical cornerback in the draft. He has inside/outside alignment ability and was consistently mugging receivers down the field and at the line of scrimmage. Cornerback was a high-end need in Atlanta, and the team should be ecstatic to pair the Terrell brothers in the back end of the defense. - ESPN analyst Matt Miller

ESPN wasn't the only site impressed by Atlanta's first Day 2 selection. CBS Sports gave the Falcons an A+ in its post-draft grades feature. Terrell himself if excited to join his older brother in Atlanta.

"They got me on one side and my brother on the other side. It means the world to me," said Terrell.