The NFL Draft is a time of anticipation for fans and franchises alike, fueled by a constant stream of mock drafts attempting to predict the future. While these projections aren’t always accurate, they offer a valuable glimpse into which players might be available when the Seattle Seahawks make their selections. As the draft approaches, two cornerbacks – Colton Hood of Tennessee and Avieon Terrell of Clemson – are consistently appearing in mock drafts linked to Seattle’s No. 32 overall pick.
The Seahawks, under the leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald, are looking to bolster their secondary. Last year, draft predictions frequently pointed to guard Grey Zabiel, and prognosticators proved correct. This year, the focus has shifted to addressing the cornerback position, and Hood and Terrell represent intriguing possibilities for a team seeking to build on its defensive foundation.
Former NFL wide receiver and Seahawks Radio Network analyst Michael Bumpus recently weighed in on both prospects, sharing his insights during an appearance on Seattle Sports’ “Bump and Stacy” show. “Two different corners, but two corners you could witness have success in this league,” Bumpus stated, highlighting the potential each player brings to the table. His analysis provides a deeper understanding of what the Seahawks might be looking for in a defensive back.
A Patient Approach with Colton Hood
Colton Hood’s journey to the NFL has been somewhat unconventional, having played for three different schools – Florida State, Alabama, and ultimately Tennessee – over three seasons. Still, his final season with the Volunteers showcased his talent, earning him second-team All-SEC honors and a spot as a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. The 6-foot, 193-pound cornerback demonstrated a knack for coverage, allowing 28 receptions on 52 targets for 318 yards and one touchdown, while also contributing eight passes defended and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also added 4.5 tackles for loss, showcasing his versatility. Seattle Sports details his impressive stats and transition to Tennessee.
Hood’s athleticism is also noteworthy. At the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash and recorded a vertical jump of 40.5 inches, ranking fifth among cornerbacks in that category. Draft analysts recognize his potential, with NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranking him as the 29th overall prospect in the draft. NFL.com provides Jeremiah’s full rankings. ESPN currently ranks him 34th.
Bumpus described Hood’s playing style as “patient,” drawing a comparison to Karl Paymah, a former Denver Broncos draft pick. “A smaller corner or a corner that’s trying to make up for some things will be super aggressive at the line of scrimmage and kind of bring the fight to you, whereas he is waiting for you to bring the fight to him,” Bumpus explained. This patient approach suggests a cornerback who relies on technique and anticipation rather than sheer aggression.
Avieon Terrell: A Dynamic Playmaker
Avieon Terrell brings a different skillset to the table, and a notable family legacy. He is the brother of A.J. Terrell, a first-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 who earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2021. Avieon spent all three seasons at Clemson, consistently improving and culminating in a standout 2025 campaign where he was a second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC selection, also a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist. The 5-foot-11, 186-pound cornerback defended nine passes, allowing 29 receptions on 51 targets for 340 yards and three touchdowns. He also demonstrated a knack for creating turnovers, forcing five fumbles and recording 4.5 tackles for loss, and led all cornerbacks in pass-rush grade according to Pro Football Focus, with 3.0 sacks.
While Terrell didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash at the Combine, he showcased his strength by tying for the lead among cornerbacks with 17 bench press reps of 225 pounds. He did post a vertical jump of 34 inches, the second-lowest among corners at the combine. Jeremiah ranks Terrell as the 30th overall prospect, while ESPN places him at 18th.
Bumpus sees similarities between Terrell and Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon, noting how Clemson utilized him. “The way Clemson used him was the way that I see Mike Macdonald leverage Devon Witherspoon,” Bumpus said. “They send him, he’s blitzing off the edge, he’s rallying to the football. He’s the more active corner out of these two.” He contrasted this with Hood’s more reserved style, describing Terrell as “that toddler who is just active, who cannot sit down.” Bumpus also highlighted Terrell’s tackling ability and “swag,” qualities reminiscent of Witherspoon’s aggressive and confident play.
Hear the full conversation at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Listen to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Or discover the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
The Seahawks’ decision at No. 32 will likely depend on which player best fits Macdonald’s defensive scheme and the team’s overall needs. Both Hood and Terrell offer unique strengths and potential, making them compelling options as the draft approaches. The team has also reportedly hosted free agent running back Najee Harris, according to Bumpus, indicating they are exploring options at multiple positions.
As the draft draws closer, the Seahawks will continue to evaluate all available prospects, weighing their strengths and weaknesses against the team’s long-term goals. The selection of either Hood or Terrell would represent a significant step towards strengthening the Seahawks’ secondary and building a competitive defense for years to come. The team’s next major step will be finalizing their draft board and preparing for the selection process, which begins on April 25th.
Stay tuned to time.news for continued coverage of the NFL Draft and the Seattle Seahawks’ preparations.
