Panthers Rumor: Could cornerback Jaycee Horn be the guy?

Could the Carolina Panthers be setting their sights on cornerback Jaycee Horn during the 2021 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers gave themselves a multitude of different options during the 2021 NFL Draft after trading for Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. Their pursuit of getting an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater following a less than impressive start to life under center was well-documented throughout the offseason. But with failed moves for Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson, had they not done a deal for the former USC star, it would have left them perhaps settling for the fourth of fifth prospect off the board at No. 8 overall.

They might still end up taking Justin Fields, who they are reportedly high on. However, they are now in a stronger position than most and something they would be wise to take full advantage of.

Much will depend on how the draft plays out in front of them. Both the San Francisco 49ers or Atlanta Falcons could move the needle depending on what they do at their respective positions, with the prospect of another team making a substantial move up the board ahead of the Panthers another strong possibility depending on who is falling.

This is going to be an exciting top-10, perhaps more than in recent memory. There is plenty at stake for a lot of organizations as they look for their franchise quarterback, with a run also expected on some elite weapons such as Kyle Pitts, Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVonta Smith.

If this plays out as expected, then there will be some top talent available for the Panthers at No. 8 or even if they trade back a few spots to gain more capital. There are some apparent no-brainers such as Penei Sewell if he drops into their laps, with Rashawn Slater another solid option that could emerge as a franchise edge protector to put alongside Taylor Moton.

However, another problem area that needs to be addressed early on is at cornerback. Carolina did make a shrewd pickup in the form of A.J. Bouye in free agency, but the Pro Bowler is suspended for the first two games of 2021 after violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy and the depth behind No. 1 option Donte Jackson – who is entering a contract year – is concerning.

Carolina Panthers reportedly “in love” with Jaycee Horn.

One player, in particular, is reportedly taking Carolina’s eye. According to former Super Bowl-winner and current broadcaster Bryan Broaddus, the Panthers are “in love” with Jaycee Horn after the corner impressed considerably during the 2020 season and in front of head coach Matt Rhule during South Carolina’s pro day.

The son of former Pro Bowl wide receiver Joe Horn put together some exceptional performances last season with the Gamecocks, shutting down some top players who are set to go in the top-10 this year. He has a prolific NFL cornerback written all over him and if he is Carolina’s best player available by the time they’re on the clock, it just might see them pull the trigger.

One could argue that taking Horn so high would be a reach. But the upside is there for all to see.

There is so much smoke and mirrors going around the NFL at the moment, it’s hard to know what to believe. In truth, nobody knows what Carolina is going to do at the present time, which is just fine by Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer.