South Carolina football: Jaycee Horn’s NFL draft odds

Where will South Carolina football’s Jaycee Horn land?

The NFL Draft kicks off tonight as professional organizations make their first round selections in an effort to improve their individual rosters. One player that will hear his name called this evening is former South Carolina football star Jaycee Horn, who’s been considered one of the top defensive prospects in this year’s class.

Horn will battle Patrick Surtain II and Micah Parsons for a chance to be the first defender off the board in 2021, and the cornerback will likely be a top 15 choice. FanDuel’s sportsbook has recently released their odds for the three-day event, and a number of bets center around Horn’s draft chances.

Let’s start with his odds of being a top 10 selection. FanDuel has listed Horn’s odds at (-105) to be taken with one of the first 10 choices. Those are the 12th-highest chances of anyone in the draft, and second-highest of any defensive player. Most mock drafts have Horn being picked in the 12-15 range, but there has been some buzz surrounding a marriage with the Cowboys, who pick 10th. If Dallas takes a chance, the corner would become the seventh Gamecock to be chosen in the first 10 selections.

Horn also has (+170) odds of being the first cornerback off the board. The favorite in the category is the previously mentioned Surtain at (-300). It seems that this, too, will come down to the Cowboys’ pick at No. 10. And there’s been some speculation that Dallas likes Horn more than the Alabama defender. Of course, a team like Philadelphia could also trade up to take Surtain before then, but the odds here seem enticing enough to take a chance. Should Horn be the first corner taken, a $100 bet would net $170.

Next, let’s take a look at Horn’s most likely destinations. Dallas has been talked about, but his best odds see him going to the Cowboys’ NFC East rival Philadelphia. In fact, the defensive back is listed as the top choice to be taken by the Eagles at No. 12, with odds at (+280). This has been the most popular landing spot for Horn in recent mock drafts, and barring a trade, it’s a safe bet to take. Horn also received (+600) odds to be picked by Denver, and (+700) to go to the New York Giants.

Finally, let’s get to what seems to be the most sure-fire bet in the sportsbook. Horn’s selection over/under comes in at 12.5. The defender’s chances of being taken 12th or before are (-178), while his odds of being picked 13th or later are (+144). Horn has moved up draft boards all offseason, and he shouldn’t be available after the 12th pick. Dallas, Philadelphia, and Denver all need defensive help, and Horn will provide it for one of those organizations. Hammer this one if you’re in need of a lock.