Dallas Cowboys: Grading potential first-round selections

Jaycee Horn, CB (South Carolina)

Prospect Grade: B
Chances of falling to ten: High
Level of need: High

For the Dallas Cowboys, the argument for taking cornerback Jaycee Horn is remarkably similar to the argument for taking cornerback Patrick Surtain II. He is a first-round talent who would address what is arguably the teams’ greatest need. However, Horn is not quite as highly-touted as a prospect as Surtain and would likely be a bit of a reach for the team with the tenth overall pick.

Preferably, the organization would trade back a bit if they end up selecting Horn. However, that little caveat aside, Horn would still be a solid pick for America’s Team due to the fact that he would address such a pressing need and will almost certainly be available for the team when it makes its first selection.

The 21-year old managed to accrue an impressive 23 pass deflections and 101 total tackles during his collegiate career with South Carolina while playing in the hyper-competitive SEC. He also managed to haul in a career-best two interceptions last season for the Gamecocks while playing seven games.

The six-foot-one, 205-pound prospect is, like Surtain II, an oversized defensive back whose physicality allows him to excel in press-man coverage. Horn cemented his status as a first-round draft pick with his impressive performance at South Carolina’s Pro Day. He reportedly ran an (unofficial) 4.39 40-yard dash and had 19 bench press reps (one more than Surtain did at his Pro Day).

The Dallas Cowboys could address what is arguably its biggest need while nabbing a very talented player in Jaycee Horn. Though Horn is not quite the prospect that Surtain II currently is he would still be a solid selection for the team in the first round.

Grade: B