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The Minnesota Vikings can go in different directions with the No. 18 pick at the 2026 NFL Draft. One area that they could bolster is the cornerback position for defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
Flores and his group were at the center of the five-game win streak to end the 2025 season on a positive note. As a result, the Vikings’ front office could decide to give him a player who strengthens the team as it looks to push for a playoff spot in the 2026 season.
Nonetheless, if Minnesota decides to go with a defender, they have been warned by Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine to stay away from former Clemson Tigers standout Avieon Terrell.
“The Vikings have not really used early picks on cornerbacks in the first two rounds during the Brian Flores era,” Ballentine wrote in his April 19 article. “You can argue they would be better off, but the defense has been pretty solid so the strategy is working. Avieon Terrell isn’t the prospect to change that pattern.
“Terrell comes in at No. 22 on our big board so he wouldn’t be a reach. However, there are size concerns as the Clemson product is 5’10 ¾”, 186 pounds with 31″ arms… Terrell’s competitiveness and potential will likely make him a first-round selection, but the Vikings would be better off look at safeties with their first selection.
What Does Avieon Terrell Bring to the Table
Last season at Clemson, Terrell posted an 83.5 overall defensive grade from PFF, ranking 38th among 897 qualified cornerbacks. His 76.9 coverage grade placed him 154th, while his 85.2 run-defense grade ranked 44th at the position.
He did not record an interception but finished with five pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks posted a 96.9 passer rating when targeting him, completing 29 receptions in his coverage. Terrell also added 32 solo tackles in run support and in the open field.
Ballentine added what B/R scout Daniel Harms had to say about Terrell that might give the Vikings pause for concern regarding the draft prospect and potentially address another part of the team.
“Soft press technique can be slightly slow, leading to quicker receivers beating him quickly across his face,” Harms wrote in Terrell’s scouting report.
Adam Thielen Issues Strong Draft Message to Vikings
With the draft a few days away, former Vikings wideout Adam Thielen said he wants Minnesota to focus on the offensive line on Day 2 of the draft, but didn’t give any specific prospect names the team should target.
“I think protecting the quarterback is a pretty important thing in this league,” Thielen said on the “2026 NFL Draft Preview Show” on April 17. “If you can go find a guy that can maybe create depth or maybe be a Day 1 starter, we’ve seen both here and on other teams that can make a huge impact.
“It’s not the fancy choice to pick an interior offensive lineman, no offense to them. Love those guys. But it’s such a benefit to your team. And you see teams that make it long in the playoffs and make a run in the playoffs have good offensive lines that secure them and let those quarterbacks do their thing.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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