The Atlanta Falcons' 2026 draft class has drawn mixed reactions so far, but one pick is earning major buzz as a potential steal. Without a first-round selection, the Falcons still managed to land what many consider first-round talent in Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.

ESPN's Matt Miller recently ranked his top 100 picks from the 2026 NFL Draft, and Terrell came in at No. 16—a strong endorsement for a player taken in the second round. Despite some critics questioning his athleticism, Miller sees Terrell as a game-changer for Atlanta's secondary.

"I love this pick for football and human reasons," Miller wrote. "Terrell was seen as a potential Round 1 player through much of his career, but he had a late slip due to a hamstring injury in the predraft process. That injury prevented him from working out for teams and answering questions about his speed, which is why he lasted 15 picks longer than where I ranked him on my board. Terrell will make an instant impact, likely in the slot."

The Falcons had other needs heading into the draft, but the value of adding Terrell in the middle of Round 2 was too good for first-year general manager Ian Cunningham to pass up. Atlanta's secondary was already a strength after last year's addition of safety Xavier Watts, and Terrell gives the team another long-term piece to build around in Jeff Ulbrich's defense. Plus, who better to help him learn the scheme than his big brother, a familiar face in the Falcons' locker room?

With Billy Bowman Jr. returning as the starting nickel, the Falcons can take their time developing Terrell. It will be fascinating to see where he lines up this season—while many project him as a nickel, Terrell played mostly on the outside at Clemson. Either way, this pick has the potential to pay dividends for years to come.