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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 20: Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders catches a pass against Adoree’ Jackson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Northwest Stadium on December 20, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

The Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of different directions they could go in this spring’s NFL Draft, but one analyst with deep organizational ties believes the answer is clear. 

As Sports Illustrated noted, in his first mock draft of the cycle, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah projects the Philadelphia Eagles to select Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell with the No. 23 overall pick. 

At Clemson, Terrell’s production jumps off the page, with 125-plus career tackles, 19 pass breakups, three interceptions, and multiple splash plays. 

Throughout his collegiate career, he showcased both his ball skills and willingness to tackle. 

More importantly for the NFL, his zone awareness, physicality, and inside/outside versatility are exactly the profile teams look for in an early-round CB.

“Terrell teams up with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell to give the Eagles the best young secondary in the NFL. The former Clemson Tiger can play inside or outside,” Jeremiah wrote.

Jeremiah’s mock immediately stands out because of his longstanding relationship with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. 

A former member of Philadelphia’s scouting department, Jeremiah remains one of the most plugged-in evaluators when it comes to projecting Eagles draft tendencies. 

Replacing a Weak Spot in the Eagles’ Secondary

While Jeremiah focused on Terrell’s versatility and upside, the pick also highlights a growing concern in Philadelphia’s secondary

Mitchell and DeJean have been great, but the Eagles third starting corner has had major problems. 

Veteran corner Adoree’ Jackson was repeatedly targeted during the 2025 season. 

Through the first eight weeks, Jackson was targeted on 26.5% of his coverage snaps, the highest rate among 109 qualifying cornerbacks. 

He allowed a 63.3% completion rate and 7.1 yards per target. 

Those struggles were most evident in high-leverage games. 

In Week 1 alone, Jackson surrendered 106 yards on six receptions, while also allowing 103 yards on five catches when he was the nearest defender. 

Even when his usage dipped later in the year, opposing quarterbacks continued to test his side of the field. 

With Jackson now 30 and set to hit free agency, the Eagles could view Terrell as the final piece needed to solidify their young cornerback trio. 

Eagles 2026 NFL Draft Needs

Cornerback is just one of several needs Philadelphia must address after its early playoff exit. 

According to postseason evaluations, the Eagles also face questions at pass rusher, interior offensive line depth and tight end succession behind Dallas Goedert. 

Additionally, they may target a young wide receiver with A.J. Brown trade rumors swirling. 

Still, adding Terrell would give the Eagles rare flexibility.

His ability to play both inside and outside would allow DeJean to move around the formation while forming a young trio with Mitchell that could anchor the secondary for years to come. 

The Eagles haven’t drafted an offensive player in the first round since 2021, and that trend may continue if Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft selection comes true. 

For now, Jeremiah’s projection offers an early hint that Philadelphia may already be looking to replace Adoree’ Jackson.

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