4 prospects in play if Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 8
By Dean Jones
Jaycee Horn – CB (South Carolina)
Jaycee Horn will be no stranger to fans from the area following his standout stint at South Carolina. The cornerback is the son of four-time Pro Bowler Joe Horn and arrives at the next level having demonstrated some eye-catching development during his time with the Gamecocks.
This does fill a need for the Carolina Panthers, who need someone to lock up the other side of the field opposite No. 1 option Donte Jackson. It doesn’t appear likely that Troy Pride Jr. and Stantley Thomas-Oliver are ready for such a responsibility at this stage. But Horn possesses the sort of talent and mentality that could ensure he thrives during his rookie campaign and beyond.
Horn is rangy enough to cope with bigger receivers in the NFL. He thrives in press coverage and although there is some work to be done with the prospect in terms of tackling, once this is coached up someone is going to have a real player on their hands.
His ball skills have also improved dramatically over the last two years. But Horn does need more discipline when it comes to covering off-man and not be so eager to guess on specific routes against players who will punish him every time in a professional environment.
Putting him on the outside would allow the Panthers to move away from their soft zone scheme, which was an increasing frustration throughout the campaign.