Jaycee Horn CB South Carolina 2021 Draft Profile
Jaycee Horn is the most physical corner prospect in this draft. His ability to press at the line and go step for step with opposing receivers is coveted in today’s NFL. He excels in man coverage making him an early first-round target.
At South Carolina, Horn was always productive, but never a true shutdown player. That all changed in his 2020 campaign. Horn burst onto the scene covering and locking down the SEC’s top receivers. Top tight end prospect Kyle Pitts was held to one catch for 30 yards when Horn was on him. Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle managed a mere catch for 12 yards when working against Horn. No defensive back played better football in 2020 compared to Horn, especially considering what he did against Auburn.
That game alone truly cemented him as one of the best in the country. Auburn’s top receiver Seth Williams failed to get anything going that day. The 6-foot-4 alpha receiver is known for his physical play, outmuscling to make highlight-reel catches. Jaycee Horn had none of that against him. Not only did Williams fail to create any kind of separation, but he was also no match for a more physical Horn. On 9 targets Williams finished the day with a single catch for 44 yards, with Horn walking away with 2 interceptions on the day.
Expect similar performances on Sundays. The 6-foot-1 corner has the size that translates seamlessly to a top-tier defensive back at the NFL level. Not only that, but he has the athleticism too. He blew up South Carolina’s pro day recording a 4.39 40-time, a 42″ vertical, and a 133″ broad jump. These numbers put Horn in the upper-echelon of NFL cornerbacks in terms of athleticism alone.
The only question now is who will be taking him come draft day. Popular landing spots include the Cowboys, Chargers, Patriots, or Cardinals. The Cowboys own the 10th pick and desperately need cornerback help opposite of the young Trevon Diggs. Soon after are the Chargers at 13 with a hole in the secondary. Casey Hayward was recently released and new head coach Brandon Staley is a defensive mastermind.
Trade rumors have been going around regarding New England’s Stephon Gilmore. If he were to leave, Horn would step in and fill that role quite well. His physicality and ball skills resemble Gilmore’s well. Finally, Arizona could use Horn’s talents as well. If he were to fall to the 16th pick, the Cardinals wouldn’t hesitate to take him. With the departure of Patrick Peterson, their secondary is questionable at best. Regardless of who takes Horn on draft night, someone will be getting a lockdown cornerback capable of being put on an island against the NFL’s best receivers.
