The last two touchdowns of Ja'Marr Chase's college career were against former Clemson CB A.J. Terrell. LSU's 42-25 National Championship victory featured the Cincinnati Bengals' first-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft getting the best of another future first-round pick, which ended up being Terrell's worst game of the 2019 season.
How poetic would it be if Terrell's younger brother, Avieon, were to end up as Chase's teammate? That's exactly how the fates aligned in ESPN Matt Miller's early 2026 NFL Mock Draft.
Bengals select Clemson CB Avieon Terrell in way-too-early 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Cincinnati selected 24th overall in Millers' mock draft and used it on Terrell, who's entering his third year at Clemson.
Terrell, the younger brother of Falcons standout A.J. Terrell, had two interceptions and broke up 13 passes last season. His versatility, speed and production point to him being a value add late in Round 1. — ESPN's Matt Miller
Terrell first emerged as a starting during his true freshman season in 2023 and hauled in his first career interception in his second start. He then started a full season at cornerback in 2024 as a true sophomore.
Just something about these one-handed snags today 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZJPx2bA7hR
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) November 11, 2023
Terrell wore the No. 20 during his first two years at Clemson and is now No. 8, the same number his older brother wore during his time as a Tiger.
The Bengals drafting Terrell would make a ton of sense even when projecting nine months into the future. His older brother has put together a very good NFL career thus far, earning Second Team All-Pro honors in 2021 and signing a four-year, $81 million contract extension in 2024.
Not only are the bloodlines strong, Cincinnati has become incredibly comfortable drafting from Clemson. Tee Higgins, Jackson Carman, Myles Murphy, and Barrett Carter all came from the football program, and the Bengals' scouting department and coaching staff have developed good relationships with the program. This comes in handy when projecting which schools are likely to be drafted from by certain teams.
Cincinnati passed on the cornerback position in this year's draft, but Cam Taylor-Britt is entering a contract year, and DJ Turner II and Dax Hill have to prove they can stay healthy. The position is a likely need going into 2026.
Terrell would be a great choice should he continue to impress this season.
