New Draft Darling Emerges for Vikings

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With the Minnesota Vikings’ offseason underway, mock draft season has arrived, and most pundits have the team targeting a cornerback in Round 1. Minnesota will pick 18th on draft night, barring a trade, and this week, CBS Sports claimed general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will spend the selection on Clemson cornerback Aveion Terrell.

Terrell checks key boxes for Minnesota’s next secondary, and the franchise is way overdue to nail a CB draft pick.

The Vikings haven’t drafted a cornerback with staying power in 11 years, so perhaps this time will be different if Minnesota locks one in.

Terrell’s Clemson Profile Fits a Flores-Style Defense

Yes, the Vikings will need a young corner this offseason.

Avieon Terrell celebrates during Clemson’s game against South Carolina.

Terrell to Vikings, per CBS Sports Mock Draft

For the first 18 teams in the NFL draft, the order is set, now waiting on the playoff teams to decide the rest of the order.

And for Minnesota, CBS Sports‘ Mike Renner mock-drafted Terrell, explaining, “Avieon Terrell is the kind of versatile coverage weapon Brian Flores loves. He can play in the slot, outside, zone or man — you name it.”

“He’s a great tackler and exceptional at filling in the run game. He’s also recorded a ridiculous eight forced fumbles over the past two seasons. That’s a weapon that could take the Vikings’ defense to an elite level.”

In Renner’s scenario, Terrell was the second corner off the board, with LSU’s Mansoor Delane going to the Detroit Lions at pick No. 17.

Not Just One Mock Draft

Terrell to Minnesota is not an exclusive thought. In fact, Renner’s coworker, Ryan Wilson, mock-drafted the same scenario last week.

Wilson wrote, “Terrell has NFL bloodlines — his brother is former first-round pick A.J. Terrell. Avieon plays bigger than his listed size (see his matchup in 2024 against former Stanford WR Eric Ayomanor). He can stay in phase on vertical routes, has good ball skills and will try to bait QBs into making throws. In run support, he plays outside CB like a strong safety.”

So did The Draft Network‘s Keith Sanchez this week, “The Minnesota Vikings will look at the 2025 season and say it was a rebuilding year, as it was J.J. McCarthy’s first year as ‘the guy.’ That experience came with ups and downs, but I ultimately believe in McCarthy and Kevin O’Connell.”

“This Vikings defense could use some upgrades at the defensive back position. Avieon Terrell is a versatile CB who can play on the outside and in the nickel. If DC Brian Flores is back next year, he should be a welcome addition to this scheme.”

After Minnesota slid from the 10th overall pick, tentatively held by the team after starting 4-8, to No. 18, the stakes have changed. The Vikings are no longer in play for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. They need a cornerback, and Terrell blends team need and best player available from a January standpoint.

Repeated CB Draft Failures

Trae Waynes. He was the last Vikings corner to live up to draft expectations or come somewhat close to it. Waynes wasn’t an utter star, but he stayed afloat as a steady defensive back in Mike Zimmer’s defense.

Since then, Minnesota has drafted these cornerbacks since the start of 2016:

Mackensie Alexander
Mekhi Blackmon
Andrew Booth
Kris Boyd
Cameron Dantzler
Akayleb Evans
Jeff Gladney
Harrison Hand
Mike Hughes
Khyree Jackson

None has worked out for the long haul. And it’s worth noting that former general manager Rick Spielman and the current boss, Adofo-Mensah, used 1st- and 2nd-Round capital on Alexander, Booth, Gladney, and Hughes. Still no luck.

Avieon Terrell participates in spring practice at Clemson.

The franchise is extremely overdue to hit on a cornerback, so much so that it’s basically destined to happen because it would be difficult to draft so many underwhelming performers if one tried to do it again.

Terrell Scouting Report

What’s so attractive about Terrell as a 1st-Rounder? A few things. Foremost, he’s 20. He’ll turn 21 this weekend, so he has youth on his side. His size is decent at 5’11 and 180 pounds. Terrell is also known for physicality, coverage, ball-tracking, and playmaking. All the collegiate tools are there to transfer successfully to the big leagues.

NFL Draft Buzz on Terrell: “The team that lands Terrell gets more than just another coverage guy – they’re adding a defensive playmaker with a knack for creating momentum-shifting turnovers. His ability to punch the ball out (three forced fumbles) and high-point interceptions shows up consistently on film.”

“These aren’t luck plays; they’re calculated strikes from a defender who hunts the football. While some scouts will fixate on his 180-pound frame, smart defensive coordinators will see a complete corner who impacts games in multiple ways and brings the same dog mentality his brother A.J. showed at Clemson.”

If the Vikings can retain Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator, Terrell plays like a “Flores guy.”

Avieon Terrell warms up before a Clemson football game.

NDB added, “His ideal landing spot would be with a defensive coordinator who emphasizes aggressive man coverage and values corners who can create turnovers. His combination of technical skill, athletic traits, and bloodlines make him one of the safest defensive back prospects in this class despite size limitations.”

“When the ball’s in the air, Terrell plays bigger than his measurements suggest – and that’s what matters on Sundays.”

The Vikings also have their 2nd-Round pick to use on a promising rookie. Minnesota hasn’t drafted in the 2nd Round in four years.

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