The Atlanta Falcons are betting big on local bloodlines and proven ball-hawking with their newest second-round cornerback, Avieon Terrell. As recebtly reported by the AJC's Falcons beat writer, Daniel Flick, "Avieon Terrell is in line to start Week 1 after roster cuts, but that's not all.
The Falcons appear to be ushering him towards the starting nickel role after releasing Darnay Holmes while Billy Bowman Jr. is no lock to return in time for Week 1--even now that he's been cleared for full contact after his Achilles tear.
Avieon Terrell is in line to start Week 1, and the Falcons appear to be ushering him toward nickel.
— Daniel Flick (@ByDanielFlick) September 1, 2026
“I love it,” Terrell told @ajc in Miami. “A nickel is everything. I feel like when you’re a nickel, you’re (also) a safety, a corner. So, it’s just fun.”https://t.co/b90pCIKjGs
After an injury sidelined him for a good chunk of camp--including the first two took on more and more first-team reps at the posiiton during training camp as the summer progressed. And even Falcons assistant coaches have seen the glimpses of superstardom Atlanta expected from the No. 48 pick.
Avieon Terrell's ability to force turnovers makes him a perfect fit at nicke
The moneymaking identifier of the 21-year-old's defensive profile is a God-given, instinctive ability to take the football away from opposing ball carriers. During his final two seasons with the Clemson Tigers, the Westlake High School (GA) product forced a notorious nation-leading 10 turnovers. That elite ball production correlates with recent hometown development of former Notre Dame standout Xavier Watts, who tied for second in the NFL in interceptions (5) as a Falcons rookie.
Terrell was a 2025 second-team All-American. Over 643 defensive snaps, he put together 46 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, 11 pass breakups, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 fumble recovery. He totaled 128 tackles (9.0 for loss), 30 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 4.0 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in 1,834 career defensive snaps over 39 games (31 starts) from 2023-25.
This kid Avieon Terrell is different! I’ve seen him grow from a little 8th grader into a grown man. He’s always been different! #ART pic.twitter.com/W5ccRBzXfk
— Oliver Davis II (@I_Am_OD3) December 5, 2025
Avieon's older brother, A.J., has been the longest staple of the Falcons' secondary since the 2020 NFL Draft. However, a deep dive shows that the younger Terrell actually holds the upper hand in college takeaways.
Aveion Terrell (Last 2 Clemson Seasons) 10 Total Turnovers
A.J. Terrell (Last 2 Clemson Seasons) 7 Total Turnovers
A.J. Terrell (6 NFL Seasons) 12 Total Turnovers
Following his performances at the NFL Scouting Combine, evaluators noted he looked "effortlessly smooth" during defensive back field drills. Measuring in at 5'10" and 186 pounds with 31-inch arms and a 75 1/2-inch wingspan, Terrell possesses leverage and fluidity to survive anywhere on the field, comforting versatility and depth for the Falcons' secondary. “A nickel is everything. I feel like when you’re a nickel, you’re (also) a safety, a corner. So, it’s just fun.”
Clemson CB Aveion Terrell would’ve been the Falcons pick at 13 IMO
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) February 27, 2026
Effortlessly smooth in NFL Combine field drills
5106
186
8 5/8 hand
31 arm ✅
75 1/2 wing ✅
pic.twitter.com/9gVlKybSzO
If his collegiate takeaway instincts travel with him to Flowery Branch like we have seen thus far in Training Camp, the Falcons may have secured the biggest steal of the rookie defensive class, considering the tape showed a first-round talent, yet fell to 48 due to a hamstring injury halting momentum in the pre-Draft process.
Atlanta has all the time needed to utilize and develop this versatility, with talents such as A.J. and Mike Hughes holding down veteran starting spots and easing second-year Bowman back--and his nose for the football should help him hold onto this job long-term.
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