ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. released the third version of his draft for the NFL’s 2021 Draft on Tuesday. South Carolina Corner Jaycee Horn he stayed in the same place that Kiper put him in the draft 2.0 simulated on February 25, going to 16th place overall in Arizona. In Kiper’s initial draft, on January 26, Horn was ranked 23rd overall for the New York Jets.
In this 3.0 version of Kiper’s mock draft, Horn is the third off-board cornerback, following Patrick Surtain from Alabama to Dallas in 10th overall and Caleb Farley from Virginia Tech to San Francisco in 12th position.
Kiper on Horn for Cardinals at No. 16:
“With the potential of the future Hall of Fame Patrick Peterson going to Minnesota in a free agency, the cornerback is a clear necessity for the Cardinals. Horn had only two interceptions in three college seasons, but he blocked wideouts and would be the first day holder. I also thought about pass-rusher – Arizona added JJ Watt to play with Chandler Jones, but both are over 30 and had problems with injuries – and wide receiver. AJ Green is not a long-term solution. “
Horn is one of five Gamecocks of the 2020 season to declare for the 2021 NFL Draft; joined by wide receiver Shi Smithdefensive back Israel Mukuamuoffensive guard Sadarius Hutcherson and linebacker Ernest Jones. All five will participate in South Carolina’s Pro Day on Wednesday afternoon.
Over the course of three seasons, Horn started 29 games during his South Carolina football career and played in another. This season, he had 16 tackles in total, with one losing yards. He also has a couple of interceptions, both against Auburn when he beat the defensive player of the week at the SEC, and had six past breaches to his credit. Horn announced that he was opting out of the rest of the season on November 16, the day after Muschamp’s resignation.
Entering the 2020 season, Horn collected 85 tackles as a freshman and sophomore, with 6.0 tackles for loss, including 3.0 sacks. He had 17 career pass separations and two forced fumbles in 23 games, including 22 matches. In his first two seasons, according to the PFF, Horn played 1,426 snaps with opponents aiming at his receiver only 100 times for 57 submissions and two touchdowns.
2019
The second year cornerback that started all 12 games … collected 40 tackles with nine pass separations and two forced fumbles … had five tackles, two forced fumbles, a sack and a pass separation at the opening of the season against North Carolina … combined his career record with seven tackles in the frustrating victory in Georgia … had a couple of breakups against Alabama and Kentucky … selected by the coaches as Rex Enright’s spring defensive player. .. nominated for the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.
2018
True freshman defender back who played in 11 competitions making 10 games … recognized at 247Sports midseason true freshman team from all over America and was a selection of SEC freshmen by league coaches … shared the most productive player award for the defense with TJ Brunson … became only the seventh real freshman to start at the season opener since the 2009 season joining Stephon Gilmore (2009), Marcus Lattimore (2010), Jadeveon Clowney (2011), Bryson Allen-Williams (2014), Al Harris Jr. (2014) and Bryan Edwards (2016) … had 45 tackles with 4.0 tackles for defeat, 2.0 sacks and eight pass separations, second in the team … tied the SEC lead among the freshmen with 4.0 tackles for defeat, tied for second with 2.0 sacks, third in passes defended with eight, and third with 4.1 tackles per game … elected SEC’s freshman of the week for his efforts in winning over Mizzou when he was credited with four pass separations … he also recorded three tackles, including a key dive trip, forcing Damari Crockett out of bounds on the 11-yard line instead of scoring it for a touchdown, an onslaught that the Tigers failed to score … led the secondary with seven tackles, the best of the season, against Texas A&M … missed the final two games of the regular season with an ankle injury … returned to the Belk Bowl, where he recorded six tackles, including a sack against Virginia … nominated for the SEC First Year Academic Honor.