2021 NFL Mock Draft: Final prediction has Patriots trade for Justin Fields

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Jaycee Horn, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Eagles spurn DeVonta at No. 12

12. Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA from SF): Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

The Dolphins taking Jaylen Waddle at No. 6 really throws a monkey wrench into the plans of the Eagles, or at least what their plans should be. Philadelphia needs an abundance of help in the wide receiver room and Waddle would be a natural fit. With him gone, that would lead some to believe that they could simply pivot to his Alabama teammate, DeVonta Smith.

Instead, the Eagles are going with addressing the secondary with this pick, tabbing Jaycee Horn out of South Carolina with this pick. The son of NFL wide receiver Joe Horn, he shined with the Gamecocks as probably the most physical cornerback in the 2021 draft class, a player who wins with his edge and some underrated technique as a press corner.

What’s vaulted Horn up many boards is his testing at his pro day. Yes, the numbers were probably juiced-up a bit but, even then, he put on quite a performance. If he’s even 90 percent that athletic and you add in his physical play, he’s clearly a player who can be a matchup problem on the outside in the NFL.

Smith would probably be my preference if I were in charge of this pick but, since I’m not Howie Roseman, the Eagles go to the other side of the ball and still get a high-quality player.

Who I Would Pick: DeVonta Smith

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