New England Patriots: 5 best NFL prospects to select at No. 15

New England Patriots selections at No. 15:  Jaycee Horn, Cornerback, South Carolina

In a deep cornerback class, Jaycee Horn stands as at least the second best available, with draft analysts going back and forth between him and Patrick Surtain II.

It seems more likely that Horn will be around when the Patriots are on the clock, and he’s a perfect fit for the Patriots defense.

Horn is the son of former NFL wideout Joe Horn, and if he is still around when the Patriots are up to pick at 15, they may have to snag up the South Carolina standout.

Horn is a big physical cornerback who thrives in man-to-man coverage, but he has shown an ability to be successful in just about every coverage scheme he plays in. He would typically line up against the opposing team’s top wideout, and rarely let them get much breathing room.

While Horn only has two career interceptions in his time at South Carolina, he picked up at least 6 pass deflections in each season, so even when he gets targeted, it’s tough to get the ball by him. Horn does need to work harder in run defense, and his physical style of play could lead to the penalty flags flying, but those are things that can be worked out over time.

Similar to the safety position, the Patriots don’t appear to have too much of a need at cornerback at first glance. While things may change, Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson are currently on one-year deals, and could be set to move on after next season. Horn’s physical profile is eerily similar to Gilmore’s, with both standing at 6-1 and a little over 200 pounds, and they both have very similar play styles.

If the Patriots are planning to move on from Gilmore, they could line up his potential replacement with Horn in this draft.