The Pittsburgh Steelers have a bunch of needs on the offensive side of the ball, but that doesn’t mean they won’t look to improve their defense. One goal that Omar Khan and the rest of the front office must accomplish this offseason is to get younger on defense. Playing several 30-year-olds in the secondary proved to be a mistake, and it’s time for the Steelers to get some more youth on the field.
One possible selection for the Steelers at No. 21 is Avieon Terrell, the star cornerback from Clemson. The Steelers love NFL bloodlines, and he has them with his brother (A.J.) being a first-round pick by the Falcons a few years ago. So, without further ado, here is our scouting report on Terrell and why he could be the ideal fit in Pittsburgh.
Avieon Terell 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Height: 5112
Weight: 180
Expected 40 Yard Dash Time: 4.46-4.49
Recruiting: 4-star recruit, 244th nationally, No. 28 ranked CB
College Production: 39 games, 25 pass deflections, 8 forced fumbles, 4 sacks and 3 interceptions,
Positives:
- Elite playmaker. Forced eight fumbles and recorded four sacks over the last two seasons. Knows how to get the football.
- Very willing tackler and isn’t afraid to throw his body around in the run game.
- Excellent feet and patience allow him to mirror receivers in one-on-one coverage.
- Smooth hips and can turn and run with any receiver in this draft.
- Finds ways to impact the game, even if he’s not being targeted.
- Very competitive and feisty. Always amped up and flies to the football.
Has experience playing both on the outside and in the slot. Played over 100 snaps in the slot during the 2025 season.
- Does an excellent job of flying down to the flats in zone coverage. Has a great feel when to drive on the football in off-coverage.
- NFL bloodlines with his brother (A.J.) being a first-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons.
It's hard to find cornerbacks who are this aggressive, feisty, and can create turnovers. But that's what makes Terrell such a fun prospect. Despite less-than-ideal measurables, he finds a way to impact the game, and teams interested in Terrell will love his passion and competitiveness.
Negatives:
- Well below average size and bulk. Small ankles and very thin body.
- Short arms that impact his ability to match up with bigger receivers. Gets beaten at the catch point routinely.
- Can get bullied at the line of scrimmage in press coverage. Lack of play strength is biggest weakness.
- Still learning how to play in zone coverage. Does excel covering the flats, but needs to continue development.
- Instincts in coverage are still lacking. Needs to do a better job of anticipating routes and where the ball will go.
There is just no getting around Terrell's size concerns. He's a small cornerback, and there will always be problems when he has to match up against bigger receivers. There is also concern about how he will hold up in the NFL against bigger, faster players, but hope is that his playmaking ability and aggressiveness can overcome his size.
Avieon Terrell NFL Player Comparison: Donte Jackson, CB, Los Angeles Chargers
There aren’t very many sub-185-pound cornerbacks in the NFL who can play on the outside, but Jackson is a good example of a success story. Before all of the injuries hit, Jackson was a viable outside cornerback who had the feet and tenacity to play on the outside. Terrell has a higher ceiling than Jackson due to his willingness to help in the run game and make plays, but their styles are similar, and he should have a long career, just like Jackson.
Avieon Terrell Fit With The Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers already have one long, athletic cornerback who can match up with bigger receivers. But what they need is someone who can handle the smaller, quicker options, such as a Zay Flowers. And that’s why Terrell would be an awesome fit in Patrick Graham’s defense. His ability to play outside and in the slot would give him even more value since Joey Porter Jr. only plays on the outside. It also helps that Terrell is a willing tackler in the run game, which is always a must for the Steelers.
Avieon Terrell NFL Draft Grade: Top-20 Pick
If you like big and long cornerbacks, Terrell won’t be for you. He’s never going to have longer arms, and he’ll likely always play at 185 pounds. But what Terrell doesn’t have in size, he more than makes up for it with his playmaking skills and ability to mirror receivers.
If he were 10 pounds heavier and had two-inch longer arms, he would be a lock top 10 pick. But that could make him a strong value for a team like the Steelers, who are desperately searching for a versatile No. 2 cornerback to pair with Porter for the next several years.