Five South Carolina Gamecocks are undergoing virtual medical examinations and interviews for the NFL Combine and will train for team staff on campus for Pro Day on March 24.
On NFL.com, Jaycee Horn, Israel Mukuamu, Shi Smith, Sadarius Hutcherson and Ernest Jones each has its own page “Draft and profile combination of the potential customer”. Along with height, weight and other up-to-date measurements are the overview of NFL analyst Lance Zierlein for each player, as well as an NFL player with whom he believes they compare.
Hutcherson’s page has yet to receive comments from Zierlein, but the other four Gamecocks have pull pages. Horn’s page has an anonymous quote from a staff executive and Mukuamu has one from an NFC defensive defense technician. Along with Zierlein’s remarks is a potential grade, a scale that ranges from “Probably needs time in the development league” (no grade) to “The perfect prospect” (8.0). All five Gamecocks range from 5.82 to 6.43.
JAYCEE HORN, CORNER – NFL.com Page
6-1, 200 pounds
Potential customer rating: 6.43 – Will be starting in the first two seasons
NFL comparison: Jimmy Smith
Zierlein’s Overview: “Three-year-old beginner with a tempting combination of size and length that is clearly effective when combined in a tight man’s cover. Horn can line up in any coverage scheme and has often traveled with the opponent’s most talented target. He plays with the desired visual discipline and talent to prevent the press from spreading. He does an above-average job of closing, agglomerating and eliminating comfortable windows for defenders to play, but his anticipation of route is average. Horn can play with solid technique, but he has become very dependent on the university game’s tendency to allow strikes beyond five yards and this should be cleared in advance. He needs a more consistent effort in supporting the race, but the characteristics and the advantage are extremely attractive, despite the lack of ball production. Horn offers immediate initial help with a high advantage. “
“There are simply not many corners in this league that have his characteristics and his talent for covering men. I think he has a chance to be special.” – Personnel executive for the NFC team
ISRAEL MUKUAMU, CORNER – NFL.com Page
6-4, 205 pounds
Potential customer rating: 6.00 – Perspective based on development characteristics
NFL comparison: Amani Oruwariye
Zierlein’s Overview: “Slender cornerback with a unique combination of size and length that could allow him to play away or in tight games. He has the strength and tools of the press-man, but the long transitions and the modest burst of recovery decrease his margin of error in relation to the launch. Its wingspan makes it a human skyscraper that can disrupt the pass track on cover 2 and stir attempts at a deep ball on cover 3. Instincts are average, making you less likely to skip a route than just playing what see. He is a capable defender, but he needs to increase aggression in race support, whether teams see him as a cornerback or a security guard at the next level. Mukuamu has the potential to become an initiator. “
“It will depend a lot on the scheme, but guys this big are a nightmare when they are in a position to make moves.” – Defensive coach of the NFC team
SHI SMITH, WIDE RECEIVER – NFL.com Page
5-10, 186 pounds
Potential customer rating: 5.95 – Backup / special-teamer
NFL comparison: Anthony Miller
Zierlein’s Overview: “Smith played in and out of South Carolina, but it will be a next level slot. It has the ability to slip and speed past press coverage. He will work mainly in the first two levels of the field and is very difficult to throw in traffic, but he sometimes receives excessive punishments with the way he plays. He has a lot of experience as a gadget player who is able to handle fast game and jet scans. His physicality makes him an interesting option as a player in possession of the ball, with potential value in the middle of the round. “
ERNEST JONES, LINEBACKER – NFL.com page
6-2, 230 pounds
Potential customer rating: 5.99 – Perspective based on development characteristics
NFL comparison: Micah Kiser
Zierlein’s Overview: “Linebackers from two downs with limited speed and below average athletic ability are not exactly in fashion these days, but Jones has the field IQ and interior toughness to warrant consideration. He is a blue-collar linebacker capable of handling the physical duties required of his position, but he will always have limitations on chasing speed and cover talent. He has a good tact for diagnosing blocking schemes and finding runners between tackles, so a role as a linebacker’s internal defender in a 3-4 defense may be your best choice early in your career. ”
SADARIUS HUTCHERSON, OFFENSIVE LINE – NFL.com Page
6-3, 320 pounds
Potential customer rating: 5.82 – Backup / special-teamer