Falcons' second-round pick ranked among biggest steals in 2026 draft

The Atlanta Falcons ' 2026 draft class has received mixed reviews thus far, but few analysts have been overly impressed by the team's picks. However, it's tough to stand out in the draft when you don't have a first-round selection. The Falcons still managed to come away with arguably a first-round talent in Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell.

While some have knocked Terrell for his perceived lack of athleticism, ESPN's Matt Miller felt Atlanta's second-round selection was one of the best picks in the entire class. Miller ranked his top 100 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, ranking the Falcons' selection of Terrell No. 16 on his list.

"I love this pick for football and human reasons," wrote Miller . "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, 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 due to last year's addition of safety Xavier Watts.