The Dallas Cowboys brass section had a busy few days with a focus on collegiate corner backs available in April’s release. After attending Alabama’s Pro Day to watch Patrick Surtain II, Vice President of Staff Will McClay and Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn headed to South Carolina for the Gamecocks’.
The center of attention? First-round prospect Jaycee Horn, and he didn’t disappoint, slightly better than Surtain’s stats across the board.
WE HAVE A BATTLE HERE PEOPLE
Surtain: 6020208 32 1/2 “arms 39” vert 131 “wide 4.42
Horn: 6006205 33 “arms 41.5” vert 133 “wide 4.39
Oh and they both have really good tape if you care about the football part https://t.co/w4vR5D5qDk
– Jeff Cavanaugh (@ JC1053) March 24, 2021
With the Cowboys coming in at number 10, there will be no doubt that a dynamic player will be available. There was talk of strong players like Surtain, Florida TE Kyle Pitts, offensive lineman Penei Sewell from Oregon or Rashawn Slater from Northwestern who would compete for the team. However, Horn has put a star next to his name with excellent grades to support his aggressive nature on film. He only had to run 40 once after three different timers clocked his speed at 4.39.
I looked at 3 different clocks and all three had 4.39 for Jaycee Horn. He is no longer running. Clearly. pic.twitter.com/nL3xMtNSny
– James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) March 24, 2021
Horn also proved his ability to take the opportunity with a 41.5 vertical jump.
@BuienRadarNL CB Jaycee Horn got 🆙 with a vertical of 41.5 “u! (Via @Jpekker pic.twitter.com/w1NF08SN7j
– NFL (@NFL) March 24, 2021
Horn is no stranger to the NFL. Jaycee’s father Joe Horn played for the Saints as a wide receiver.
His athletic prowess is reflected in his film. Against the Auburn Tigers, Horn had three tackles, two interceptions, and four pass break-ups. The game itself earned him the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
Jaycee Horn’s game vs. Auburn is one of the cutest cornerback tapes you will ever see. pic.twitter.com/8fmSbdnWpM
– Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) February 11, 2021
That performance was his best, but top performances were not a one-off event, as he scored two interceptions and six pass drifts per year, with 23 pass break-ups over his three seasons.
As the battle for CB1 Horn turns to the planned Caleb Farley, the intrigue surrounding the trek will only intensify from this point on. The Cowboys’ top pick seems to be turning into quite a conversation with so many athletic players proving their ties on pro days.