Todd McShay breaks down Avieon Terrell as NFL prospect, points out flaws
Can Clemson Star Avieon Terrell Bridge the Gap to NFL Draft Success?
Avieon Terrell has been a key piece of Clemson's defense for two seasons, racking up 77 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, three interceptions, and 16 pass deflections in 27 games. He's projected as a top defensive back prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. But even with his impressive collegiate stats, questions remain about whether Terrell can translate his talent to the professional level.
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay recently weighed in on Terrell's potential during “The McShay Show.” "He was sixth on the team with 58 tackles, 12 pass breakups and two interceptions last year," McShay said. "5-foot-11, 180 pounds. I actually think there’s a gap after the top two defensive linemen we just talked about (Peter Woods and T.J. Parker), then there’s Terrell. But then there’s a significant gap with the rest of these (defensive guys in terms of NFL Draft prospects).”
McShay sees Terrell as a "Day Two" prospect, potentially landing in the second round.
“Easy Speed” Meets Inconsistency
Terrell's sophomore season saw him shine, ranking second in the ACC with 12 passes defended and three forced fumbles, earning him Second Team All-ACC honors. McShay acknowledged Terrell's strengths: "I like him a lot but I see the flaws," he said. “Really good in off-coverage I thought. He can explode out of his petal. He really can. Good body control around the ball (for the most part). I really liked him driving on the ball and I think he’s athletically quick and sudden and all of those things. I think he’s got ‘easy speed’ and I preach that a lot.”
McShay emphasized the importance of "easy speed" for both receivers and cornerbacks, explaining how it allows players to be both fast and controlled when reacting to airborne passes. He believes Terrell possesses this crucial attribute.
However, McShay also pointed out a significant weakness: "I actually think he’s a good form tackler, but the problem is he gets there and wraps up but has got to hold on for the cavalry to come in because he can’t finish them off," he said. “He shows some pop at times but he’s too inconsistent.”
The upcoming season will be crucial for Terrell as Clemson aims for a top-ranked defense. They face LSU in their opener on August 30th, kicking off at 7:30 PM on ABC. Will Terrell prove his doubters wrong and solidify his place among the elite NFL draft prospects? Only time will tell.