Draft season is here, and all the top guys are sharing who they believe are going to be the top picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles are left in a unique situation where the focus of this draft might be more on offense than defense, as they prepare for big departures from older veterans. There is one position that might need focus on defense: cornerback.
Adoree' Jackson's inconsistent play in 2025 makes it hard to believe he will be back in the midnight green uniforms, despite a strong finish to the season. NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah released his first mock draft of the year and has the Eagles selecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with the 23rd overall pick.
"Terrell teams up with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell to give the Eagles the best young secondary in the NFL. The former Clemson Tiger can play inside or outside."
Eagles certainly could use Avieon Terrell in the secondary in 2026
Terrell has been a very popular name in Eagles mock drafts, as he would solve a problem the Eagles had in 2025. With Jackson and Kelee Ringo not working out at CB2, Terrell would need some time to develop, but could fit into that role perfectly.
Last year at Clemson, Terrell racked up 48 tackles, nine pass deflections, an ACC-high five forced fumbles, 4.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one fumble recovery in 12 games. He was named first-team All-ACC in 2025 and was second-team All-ACC in 2024.
The real question would be whether Terrell should play in the slot or be on the outside. DeJean played a bit on the outside and was inconsistent there, too, and Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves for DeJean to stay in the slot no matter what.
Terrell possesses traits similar to DeJean's, as he is a good tackler and can come off the edge on corner blitzes to get to the quarterback. Philly could have a situation where DeJean and Terrell switch back and forth depending on the defensive package on the field.
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While there are other positions of need for the Eagles that include wide receiver and tight end, the Eagles also need to make sure to nail the CB2 role this offseason that they spent too many picks and time on last year. If they can find the right guy, the defense is set for the next five years.