Since drafting Devon Witherspoon in the top five of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks have not selected another cornerback before the fifth round. But SI on College Football’s Randy Gurzi predicted that little streak to end in the 2026 NFL Draft.
On Friday, Gurzi projected the Seahawks to select Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell at No. 13 overall in next year’s class.
“Head coach Mike Macdonald adds more talent to his secondary with Clemson’s Avieon Terrell,” Gurzi wrote. The younger brother of A.J. Terrell, Avieon, would fit well in Macdonald’s defense as Seattle continues to rebuild their defense.
At No. 13 overall, Terrell was the second cornerback off the board in Gurzi’s 2026 NFL mock draft. The first cornerback taken in the mock, Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy, went to the New York Giants at No. 6 overall.
As Gurzi mentioned, Avieon is the younger brother of Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell. A.J. has been Atlanta’s top cornerback for just about his entire career.
The Falcons selected A.J. at No. 16 in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made second-team All-Pro with 16 pass defenses and three interceptions in 2021.
Avieon has registered 17 pass defenses, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions and two sacks in 30 college games at Clemson.
Could Seahawks Select CB in 2026 NFL Draft?
It’s still very early in the 2026 NFL Draft process. Well, actually, the process hasn’t really begun.
With nearly full seasons still to play at the NFL and college level, it’s unclear what each team’s top need will be for next season and who will be the best prospects to fill them.
But it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Seahawks add another defensive player. Head coach Mike Macdonald comes from the John Harbaugh coaching tree with the Baltimore Ravens, which is an organization that has always stressed defense.
And this past spring, the Seahawks only drafted one defender before the fifth round. While that one defender was a defensive back, Nick Emmanwori should play safety when he earns a full-time role on the Seattle defense.
Clemson’s Avieon Terrell Profile for 2026 NFL Draft
Terrell chose to attend the same college as his brother. That decision immediately put him under his brother’s shadow.
Yet, Terrell has excelled in his two-plus seasons at Clemson. In 2025, he already has three tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, a pass defense and sack in three games.
“Coming from Atlanta’s Westlake High School, Terrell arrived in Death Valley as more than just a sibling connection – he was a complete football player who made impacts in all three phases of the game,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “After getting his feet wet with 375 snaps over 13 games (five starts) as a freshman, Terrell vaulted himself into the national spotlight with a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024, starting all 14 games and logging a staggering 816 defensive snaps – the most by a Tiger cornerback since 2016.
“Beyond the football pedigree, Terrell brings legitimate track speed to the position, having been part of Westlake’s state championship 4×100 relay team and posting 100-meter times in the 10.97-11.33 range. That athleticism translates to football that allows him to erase recovery distance when needed.”
Terrell’s own accomplishments, along with his brother’s, could make him a top cornerback for the 2026 class.
Seahawks Projected to Add Former All-Pro’s Brother to Secondary