The Dallas Cowboys are in the cornerback market and it’s very likely that they will draft one with one of their first-round picks. Mansoor Delane and Jermod McCoy have been two of the most commonly mocked players to Dallas at No. 12.
But what if they don’t select a cornerback with their top pick? Who could be the best option available later in Round 1?
One player that should receive more consideration is Avieon Terrell, the little brother of A.J. Terrell in Atlanta. While he is certainly undersized for the position, he has a knack for making big plays and always competes above his weight class. So, without further ado, here is our scouting
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:
- Playmaker. Eight forced fumbles and 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. Brings energy to a defense, especially in big moments.
- 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.
There is a lot to love about Terrell’s game, but his best trait is his competitiveness. While he’s not the same caliber of prospect as Devon Witherspoon of the Seahawks, there are similar parts of their game and their attitude is infectious. Terrell just finds ways to make plays and his ability to mirror receivers on the outside is what makes him a lock first-round pick.
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 are some legitimate size concerns with Terrell that he’ll never be able to fix. His arms won’t get longer and he’s going to have a hard time adding weight to his frame. Bigger receivers will always give him problems and he’s just not going to be someone who wins at the catch point very often. For teams that care deeply about size/length, Terrell won’t be a prospect that they target.
Avieon Terrell NFL Player Comparison: Asante Samuel, retired
There aren’t many sub-185-pound cornerbacks who are also above 5-11, so it’s tough to come up with a close comparison. But one that makes a ton of sense is Asante Samuel Sr, who had a long career with New England and Philadelphia. Terrell is a better tackler, but both players are able to live on the outside despite their size because of their feet and ball skills. This is a very high-end comp for Terrell, but the play styles are similar.
Avieon Terrell Fit With The Dallas Cowboys
Terrell doesn’t fit the size and length thresholds that Will McClay and the front office has had in the past, but that might not matter because he’s such a good player. Terrell would likely play on the outside in nickel situations (with Daron Bland in the slot), but he’s got the flexibility to play just about anywhere. And for a team that desperately needs a cornerback who can mirror No. 1 receivers and play in zone coverage, Terrell would be a strong pick, especially if the Cowboys could steal him at No. 20.
Avieon Terrell NFL Draft Grade: Top-20 Pick
There are some legitimate size concerns for Terrell, and that’s why he won’t be a top-10 or 12 pick. But outside of that, there aren’t many issues with his game. He’s got the feet to mirror top-end receivers in the NFL, and his willingness to make tackles in the run game will endear him to coaches. Terrell projects as a high-end No. 2 cornerback in the NFL, capable of playing in any scheme and nearly any position in the secondary. Given the importance of the position, don’t expect him to last very long on Day 1.