While it was one of the coolest moments of draft weekend, some fans saw the Atlanta Falcons selecting Avieon Terrell in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft as nepotism. But Ian Cunningham and this front office saw this pick as their first chance to start building for the future at cornerback.
It could've been easy for the Falcons to deal this pick. They entered this draft with just five picks and no first-rounder, but Cunningham deemed Terrell one of the few players they wouldn't trade off of. So when he was still available with the 48th pick, they didn't need to overthink it.
Avieon was a first-round talent who fell due to an injury during the pre-draft process, which led to poor testing numbers. But the production at Clemson (a program record for forced fumbles by a DB) and the fact he's basically a carbon copy of his big brother made the value way too good to pass up.
And now through six games, his performance is proving the Falcons right. A lot of the things we saw from him in college are translating to the pros, especially his versatility to play inside and out. And while he's been a physical tackler, his strengths were always as a cover corner, as he's physical at the line of scrimmage and doesn't give up the big play--and he's really impressed in coverage this year.
According to Pro Football Focus, just seven rookie cornerbacks have played over 150 coverage snaps through six weeks, and of those seven, Terrell has arguably been the best. His 75 passer rating allowed is the best of this bunch, as he's surrendered just nine receptions on 14 targets in 2026.
Cunningham has picked up a lot of wins from Atlanta's 2026 draft class, but seeing the 21-year-old start to establish himself as a long-term fixture in this secondary is one of the biggest. Not only has he been one of the Falcons' best picks, he's been one of the best value picks of this draft class.
The Falcons see Avieon Terrell as more than just an ordinary nickel corner
Here's the thing. The Dirty Birds started off utilizing Avieon Terrell as a nickel, but have given him more reps on the boundary across the last couple of games since Billy Bowman Jr. returned in Week 3. For reference, he's played 148 snaps snaps on the outside across the last four games, including 63 during the loss to the Bears with him starting in place of C.J Henderson.
This coaching staff clearly trusts him, so it would be foolish not to give him Terrell more reps when he can force turnovers and can attack the ball like a junkyard dog. And he plays bigger than his 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame, and evidently, he's just like his brother in being able to take a WR out of a game.
Even once A.J. Terell returns, Avieon Terrell should remain in the starting lineup
And speaking of his big brother, the Falcons are about to get A.J. Terrell back. He's been on IR for the last four weeks due to a groin injury suffered in Week 2 against the Panthers, but his return window as opened and he was designated to return to practice and has a shot to play on Sunday vs. the 49ers.
The Falcons have been open in saying they don't want to rush the All-Pro back from the injury, especially they feel comfortable starting the little Terrell on the outside in his absence. Jeff Ulbrich has said while they value his ability to do both, his future in this league likely lies on the boundary.
So that means that when A.J. returns, the Falcons could be starting not one, but two Terrell brothers on the boundary. Mike Hughes has been a total liability in coverage, and while Henderson has been a pleasant surprise, Avieon has a higher ceiling that should see him get more looks sooner than later.
And once that happens, we could see them start opposite one another. Looking across the formation and seeing your brother is an opportunity most NFL players don't get--and it's one they grew up dreaming about. And Ulbrich has a chance to make all of those dreams a reality.
Prospect fatigue and a tweaked hamstring are the main reasons Avieon Terrell slipped down the draft board, so he's he's making Ian Cunningham and the Falcons look like geniuses for drafting him--and this pick only look better as his snap share continues to increase.
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