5 Panthers players whose stock rose at mandatory minicamp in 2021

Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CB

Jaycee Horn was right to miss a part of OTAs while his contract was being finalized. The cornerback didn’t want to jeopardize the money coming his way by putting himself at risk and now the South Carolina product has signed on the dotted line, it didn’t take long for the rookie to impose himself on mandatory minicamp.

The Carolina Panthers may have struck gold with Horn. He was arguably their highest-rated prospect on their board – although Penei Sewell would have been a hard pass – and there is a real alpha mentality about his work even during his brief time on the practice field so far.

It’s hard not to love the way Horn goes about his business. The player has the sort of mindset that gets others around him going, so if this can transition onto the field it’s going to transform the defense into a big-time force.

Rookie corners do tend to struggle at times. The NFL is an unforgiving place where every mistake comes with consequences, but Horn has everything one looks for in a top player at the next level from a physical standpoint.

Expectations could not be higher for Horn. The Panthers have been looking for a true shutdown cornerback since Josh Norman departed after the 2015 season and Phil Snow might have two at his disposal if Donte Jackson also makes the necessary improvements this offseason.