2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0: Miami Dolphins trade back again

2021 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

15. New England Patriots: Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The corner class has seen a shift in recent weeks. While Patrick Surtain has likely cemented himself as the best corner in the class, Jaycee Horn has surged up draft boards and NFL mock drafts since his pro day. He put up elite numbers and showed that he has the traits necessary to be an elite corner in the NFL one day.

This is paired with the fall of Caleb Farley. Farley did not play in 2020, and reports say that he just had surgery to help heal his back. It is the same surgery that Tiger Woods has had multiple times to try to extend his golf career.

Farley’s injury history and his lack of recent tape make him a risk to take here. The speed and skills of Horn make him more valuable than ever. Because of that, I have the Patriots taking Horn in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Patriots would love to add a quarterback, but it will be hard for them to trade up. Without that, their next need is youth on defense. Stephon Gilmore is one of the best corners in the NFL, but his future in New England is uncertain.

With the Dolphins adding weapons and the Bills emerging as an AFC powerhouse, the Pats need to add skilled corners. Horn would be a great step.