With The First Pick
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San Francisco 49ers: 3 potential replacements for Richard Sherman in 2021 NFL Draft

By Nicholas McGee

December 21, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 21, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman (25) celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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49ers could target Jaycee Horn. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaycee Horn – South Carolina

Both South Carolina corners set to feature in this draft have the potential to be starters in the league, but Horn appears to have separated himself from teammate Israel Mukuamu and is already being connected to San Francisco in some early mock drafts.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler mocked Horn to the 49ers, as did Trevor Sikkema of The Draft Network in his most recent mock.

And there is plenty of reason to believe San Francisco would be willing to select another player from South Carolina, having picked Deebo Samuel in the second round in 2019 and Javon Kinlaw in the first round in 2020.

John Lynch has been outspoken about the Niners’ good relationship with former Gamecock head coach Will Muschamp, and a positive review from him could push them towards Horn if corner is indeed the direction San Francisco wants to go in.

Horn’s tape also suggests he would be a strong fit for Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme, which the 49ers would likely want to maintain even if he departs for a head coaching job.

At 6ft 1in and 200 pounds, Horn brings the size and length that are the defining traits of corners in the scheme. He uses that length extremely well to disrupt at the catch point and has consistently demonstrated excellent movement skills. Horn has quick feet to mirror receivers, fluid hips and has shown the ability to run with wideouts while working laterally downfield.

Impressive in closing separation in transition, Horn is a corner with the skill set to excel playing press, off-man and zone and could prove a ready-made replacement should Sherman and the Niners part ways.