NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks released his first mock draft and has the San Francisco 49ers bolstering their secondary with rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina. The strategy matches other recent mock drafts from Mel Kiper and Pro Football Focus, both of which had San Francisco adding cornerback Patrick Surtain II of Alabama. However, Brooks has Surtain going to the Denver Broncos at No. 9, three selections ahead of San Francisco's top pick.
And for those wondering, Brooks has the top four projected quarterbacks — Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, and Trey Lance — all gone by pick No. 8. That leaves the 49ers addressing one of their positions that could see an exodus of talent this offseason with Richard Sherman, Jason Verrett, and others scheduled to hit free agency.
"Horn possesses the size, athleticism and bloodlines (son of former Pro Bowl WR Joe Horn) to be a tenacious cover corner and enticing option for a team in desperate need of a long-term answer at the position," notes Brooks.
Horn recorded 101 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, two interceptions, 23 passes defensed, and two forced fumbles through three seasons with the Gamecocks. He recorded 16 tackles, one tackle for a loss, both interceptions, and six passes defensed as a junior in 2020.
San Francisco owns the No. 12 overall pick in this year's draft, which is scheduled to begin on April 29.