With three weeks left in the 2025 NFL regular season, the New York Jets are shifting gears toward what could be one of the most pivotal offseasons in recent franchise history. At the center of that transition is newly appointed general manager Darren Mougey, who steps into a front office facing a long checklist - and a short timeline - to reshape a roster that’s struggled to find its identity.
One name that’s starting to gain serious traction in Jets draft circles: Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell. And for good reason.
Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, has carved out his own path at Clemson with a blend of production, versatility, and tenacity that’s hard to ignore. Over three seasons with the Tigers, he racked up 125 tackles, 25 pass breakups, eight tackles for loss, and three interceptions - the kind of stat line that jumps off the page for a cornerback who’s been tested early and often in the ACC.
But it was his breakout sophomore campaign in 2024 that really put him on the map. Terrell entered this season with a target on his back, and he responded like a future pro. In 2025, he tallied 48 tackles, nine pass deflections, and five forced fumbles - a rare number for a corner, and a testament to just how active he is around the ball.
Now, let’s address the one knock that keeps surfacing: his size. At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Terrell doesn’t have the prototypical frame of an elite outside corner.
He’s smaller than his brother, who entered the 2020 draft at 6-foot-1, 195. But what Terrell lacks in size, he makes up for in grit.
He’s physical, aggressive at the line of scrimmage, and fearless when it comes to challenging receivers - whether he’s lined up outside or in the slot.
That versatility is key. In 2025, Terrell played 71% of his snaps on the outside and 17% in the slot, showing he can handle multiple roles in a secondary - a trait that aligns perfectly with what head coach Aaron Glenn wants in his defensive backs.
Glenn’s scheme leans heavily on physical, adaptable corners who can disrupt timing routes and hold their own in man coverage. Terrell checks that box and then some.
The Jets, now armed with the No. 5 and No. 18 picks in the upcoming draft - thanks in part to the recent blockbuster trade that sent Sauce Gardner packing - are in a prime position to reload their secondary. While the No. 5 pick could be in play for a quarterback, the No. 18 pick (acquired from the Colts) lines up nicely as a potential landing spot for Terrell.
If New York does pull the trigger, Terrell would join a cornerback room that includes veteran Brandon Stephens, the ascending Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and rookie Azareye’h Thomas - a mix that gives the Jets a compelling blend of experience and upside. It’s not hard to envision Terrell stepping in and making an immediate impact, especially in a defense that will ask him to do what he does best: play tough, fast, and smart football.
There’s still plenty to unfold over the next few months - including whether the Jets package picks to move up for a quarterback - but if they stay put at 18, Terrell might just be the perfect fit. He’s not just a name to watch; he’s a potential cornerstone for a defense looking to rebuild its swagger.