Raiders: 3 options with the 17th overall pick in 2021 NFL Draft

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Raiders could target Jaycee Horn. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Unfortunately for the Raiders, Caleb Farley and Patrick Surtain II, the pursued top two cornerbacks in this class, are almost certain to be off the board when the Raiders are on the clock. At pick 17, the Raiders will have to move on to the next tier of cornerbacks.

Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina would fit well in the defense that Gus Bradley is looking to bring to Las Vegas. A big physical corner who fits well in zone coverage, Horn took massive strides in 2020, landing him in the first round. Horn even has the potential to play in the slot when needed, but should be primarily used on the boundary.

Joe Marino of The Draft Network gives his thoughts on Horn:

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"“Horn has a long and stocky frame that is built for competing with X-receivers in the NFL. His size, length, and physicality show up in coverage where he is highly disruptive in press and ultra competitive at the catch point. The concerns with Horn show up primarily as a tackler and playing off-man coverage.”"

When it comes to playing under Gus Bradley, that might be the best thing for Horn. He fits well in the scheme and Bradley has a history of evaluating and developing young defensive players. Much of the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars defense was drafted with Bradley at head coach.

Horn’s ball skills should also be something that the Raiders covet. Las Vegas was 30th in takeaways in 2020, a trend that has been going on for quite some time now. Horn took a step forward in ball production with two interceptions in his seven games for the Gamecocks in 2020. The Raiders have also shown a heavy interest in SEC schools and other big programs in college football.

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