ATHENS, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Jaycee Horn # 1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts when Israel Mukuamu # 24 returns an interception for a first-time touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia . (Photo by Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns began the process of meeting with potential recruiting candidates, including South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.
In his Pro Day media availability, Horn said he had had some virtual Zoom meetings with the Browns, who hold 26th overall in the next NFL Draft. He noted that the Browns are an up-and-coming team and that it would be a “Blessing” to be written by them this April.
Horn, 21, is one of the best cornerbacks in the next draft class this year. Depending on the simulation sketch you look at, there is probably a good chance that it was selected before the Browns. However, General Manager Andrew Berry is clearly doing his homework, meeting with one of the main potential customers in a position of need.
Although the Browns reinforced the secondary by signing safety John Johnson III to replace Andrew Sendejo and Troy Hill to replace Kevin Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams, the secondary is never complete with Joe Woods, who was a defense technician for the San Francisco 49ers.
With the injury stories of Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, it would not be out of the question for the Browns to add another external cornerback, like Horn, with their selection in the first round.
Horn withdrew due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but had two interceptions in 2020 before making that decision after seven games. He appeared in 30 games for Gamecocks. If he somehow slips on enlistment night, he would be a solid addition to the rebuilding of the Browns’ defense.
Horn also said he has meetings scheduled with the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles, who have choices in the first round before the Browns.