4 training camp battles to watch after Panthers draft picks

Jaycee Horn vs. D.J. Moore

Jaycee Horn comes to the Carolina Panthers with the honor of being the first defensive player off the board in the 2021 NFL Draft after the team took him at No. 8. This might have been a surprise to anybody outside the organization, but from what’s been published since the pick was made, he was top-two on their board.

Horn won’t have the same luxury as mid-to-late rounders in terms of developing at his own pace. The Panthers selected him to start right away and his ability in press coverage could be a real asset in an area where the team really struggled last season.

Carolina might want to consider putting Horn up against their No. 1 wide receiver to give the prospect a better indication of what to expect in a professional environment during training camp. This is undoubtedly D.J. Moore, who recently had his fifth-year option picked up and could be set for even greater things next time around providing he hits it off with new quarterback Sam Darnold.

Moore is one of the best in the business and is sure to give Horn a crash course in what it’s going to take to cover some of the dynamic receivers residing in the NFC South consistently.

There appears little doubt the former South Carolina stud will be more than up for the challenge, with his competitive streak, physicality, and athleticism going to be a must-watch against Moore when the pair clash at training camp.