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2021 NFL Draft News: Jaycee Horn declares for the NFL Draft

ByJeremiah Bogan|
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Jaycee Horn #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts as Israel Mukuamu #24 returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 12: Jaycee Horn #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts as Israel Mukuamu #24 returns an interception for a touchdown in the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Jaycee Horn
2021 NFL Draft prospect Jaycee Horn. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn is off to the 2021 NFL Draft!

South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn has decided to forgo the rest of the season and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft! The cornerback who currently sits as the second best cornerback on this writer’s cornerback board has earned the right to forego the rest of the season. His tape couldn’t get much better with the way he has been playing this year.

Teams have already opted to stop throwing the ball his way since his epic performance against Auburn. The Auburn game alone is enough teach tape on what a first round cornerback looks like and Jaycee Horn is certainly that.

What Jaycee Horn brings to the 2021 NFL Draft

Horn displays elite press coverage abilities that are undoubtedly the best in this class. His ability to be patient and trust his technique consistently disrupts the timing of the wide receiver when he is aligned in press. Horn uses his length to then move receivers off their route without being overly aggressive or handsy.

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In off coverage he shows good change of direction skills to drive on routes and make throws in his coverage competitive. He has cleaned up his footwork this year due to playing with better pad level and that has led to more burst out of his breaks.

Jaycee Horn showed improved ball skills this season by catching his first two career interceptions and making more plays on the football. He already was one pass breakup away from matching his total from last season. He is fresh off of a matchup where we got to see him lineup with Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore and he faired pretty well.

Showing the ability that he can still play with faster and twitchier receivers that are smaller in stature. Most impressively, Horn is a physical guy who shows the willingness to tackle and defeat blocks on the edge.

What is his draft stock?

His consistent stickiness in man coverage jumps out on tape as he rarely finds himself out of position with receivers, Horn has versatility as a guy who has shown that he will travel with opposing team’s best receivers even into the slot if necessary. He is a very aware zone defender who understands how to properly leverage route concepts while reading the quarterback.

Horn has played the cornerback at an elite level for two seasons now whether you took notice or not. Jaycee Horn is easily a first-round cornerback prospect that is closing the gap on the CB1 spot in the 2021 NFL Draft. His decision to opt out the rest of the season is a smart one as his stock is through the roof right now and this writer can’t wait to see him again when the NFL combine rolls around.

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