The pre-draft process, the NFL Combine, and Pro Day aren’t usually for top players to bolster their draft stock. In truth, the opportunities become a chance for dark horses to rise and for NFL teams to notice. One such dark horse was Clemson’s veteran cornerback. The 5’11” and 186 lbs shutout corner impressed with fast feet and body control at this year’s combine. But his Pro Day participation status has been significantly hindered.

According to reports, Clemson’s CB Avieon Terrell will not participate in the Tigers’ Pro Day on March 12. His decision stems from a minor hamstring injury he suffered at the Combine, which is preventing him from participating today. Nevertheless, the Atlanta, Georgia, native has finally picked the March 30th date to work out in front of scouts. Will the setback eventually hamper Terrell’s draft stock?

Avieon came in as a highly regarded four-star recruit from Westlake High School as a two-way player. On top of it, he is the younger brother of former Clemson NFL All-Pro A.J. Terrell, which signaled excitement upon his arrival. In three years, the 180 lbs CB stayed with the team, he developed as a highly regarded player, and ended his career with 125 tackles, 25 defended passes, four sacks, eight fumbles, and 3 interceptions. His game awareness and footballing prowess became elite over time.

Against Syracuse, Avieon showed elite shoutout ability and jumped three different routes before the QB finished his drop. That alone showcased Avieon’s knack for zone reads. Moreover, since he offers a receiver-like ball tracking ability, contested catches become a cakewalk for him. Not just that, his run defense is already elite, and he showed it against Louisville. The Clemson DB tore through a screen for a three-yard loss. Terell has truly learned his craft from the Falcons’ ace CB.

“We both dawgs,” Avieon said about A.J. and how the elder Terrell helped in his development. “I tell him all the time, I want the ball more. We have battles in the summer, who’s gonna get the ball more? So, I feel like I get the ball more than him.” A.J. helped Clemson win the natty in 2018 and was drafted 16th overall by the Falcons. Avieon is also looking to follow the same path.

Terell was amongst the three Clemson players invited to this year’s NFL scouting combine. Although he didn’t participate in Combine measurements, the Atlanta native still showed his upside to teams. From showcasing bursting speeds to catching the ball away from his body to changing direction like gliding on the water. Terrell did everything with utmost brilliance. Owing to the heroics, the Cowboys started noticing him, and Terrell became a dark-horse top-10 overall contender.

Cowboys won’t have to trade up in the 2026 NFL draft for Avieon Terrell now

Before his scouting Combine drills, Avien was a mid-first-round DB with potential to move higher up. CBS Sports’ Chapel Fowler reported Terrell to be a top-4 cornerback prospect but still positioned him to be a mid-first round pick in their mock drafts. That meant scouts were still looking forward to his Combine and Pro Day performances to evaluate him on every front.

The Cowboys even had a formal meeting with the Clemson DB at the scouting combine, as he revealed to the media. Moreover, most mock drafts projected Terrell to go to Brian Schottenheimer’s camp with trade scenarios. “After taking Dillon Thieneman earlier, the Cowboys double dip in the secondary with Terrell, a prospect who scouts keep saying should go higher than expected,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote.

The Cowboys have a 12th and a 20th overall pick in the 2026 draft. A solid workout at the Combine or Pro Day would have easily made the Clemson CB a top-ten pick, forcing the Cowboys to trade up. It could have come with a higher-paying contract hovering around $29 million. However, the 20th pick would earn Terrell $10 million less than the 10th overall pick. So, Terrell’s draft stock might not have taken a big hit. But his unexpected injury has surely closed his last chance to move to the top 10.