Falcons draft Clemson's Avieon Terrell with first pick of NFL draft to join brother A.J. Terrell

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ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons used their first pick in the NFL draft on Friday night to select Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell, who will join older brother A.J. Terrell in the team's secondary.

Avieon Terrell was the first pick for the Falcons new leadership team of president of football Matt Ryan, general manager Ian Cunningham and coach Kevin Stefanski.

The Falcons created “bookend brothers” at cornerback by selecting the younger Terrell. A.J. Terrell, who also played at Clemson, was Atlanta's first-round pick in 2020. The brothers hugged when the Falcons' second-round pick, No. 48 overall, was announced.

The Falcons were one of eight teams who did not have a first-round pick on Thursday night. The Falcons have only five picks overall.

The Falcons traded the first-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in last year’s draft to select edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the No. 26 selection. Pearce had a successful rookie season with 10 1/2 sacks but was arrested near Miami on Feb. 7 on three felony charge after an incident involving his former girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson.

On Thursday, Pearce's attorneys announced he has agreed to enter a pretrial intervention program which could allow him to resolve the charges. Attorney Jacob Nunez said the state of Florida would dismiss all felony and misdemeanor charges if Peace completes a six-month diversion program without violation. Pearce still could face discipline from the NFL for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

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