How fatherly advice is smoothing Jaycee Horn’s NFL transition

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn is receiving some sound advice from his father during the player’s initial transition to the next level.

Jaycee Horn is a hard dude to root against. The Carolina Panthers thought highly enough of the cornerback to take him at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and he’ll get plenty of responsibility right from the word go during his rookie season.

There were some who wanted the Panthers to take Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields despite the team trading for Sam Darnold. Carolina would also have strongly considered Oregon‘s offensive tackle Penei Sewell had he fallen past the Detroit Lions at No. 7, although judging by their reaction when the Miami Dolphins took Jaylen Waddle, that was never really an option.

The enthralling Panthers Confidential documentary series revealed that Horn was extremely high on Carolina’s list of possibilities. And with good reason.

He has everything one looks for in a top corner at the next level. Horn is fast, agile, physically imposing, and wasn’t afraid of the big moment throughout a standout college career with the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The player’s transition to a professional environment has been smooth. Although it’s worth remembering that the pads have yet to go on at rookie minicamp and OTAs.

This comes as no surprise considering Horn has a father with plenty of NFL experience to lean on for advice and guidance. Something he is not moving away from despite achieving his objective to be a top-10 pick and make it into the league.

Jaycee Horn leaning on fatherly advice to shine with the Carolina Panthers.

His dad, of course, is Joe Horn.

For those unaware, Joe Horn played from 1996-2007 and made four Pro Bowls during his career. The wideout gained 603 receptions, 8,744 receiving yards, and 58 touchdowns for the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons over his 12-year stint in the NFL.

Having a role model that has more knowledge than most regarding just what it takes to make a successful career at the next level is a fantastic security blanket.

Horn has benefitted significantly from fatherly advice throughout his journey so far. And he isn’t going to stop now.

"“For sure. Daily, I’m talking to my dad, sending him some film, just letting him know what’s on my mental, how my body’s feeling. He always points me in the right direction and tells me the next steps I need to take. His advice ain’t led me wrong so far, so I’m still leaning on him for all the advice.”"

Being around the game for most of his life has no doubt helped Horn.

Even though what comes next will be down to the player, he knows that dad will always be on hand for support.

But make no mistake, he’ll be telling him straight what areas of his game need improvement.

Putting Horn within a cornerback group that also consists of Donte Jackson, Pro Bowler A.J. Bouye, and fifth-rounder Keith Taylor Jr. should transform Carolina’s ability in press coverage. This is an area that caused some incredible frustrations last time out and if the defensive front also reaches lofty goals, this should be a fun and productive group in 2021.

Rookie cornerbacks don’t come with some complications, which needs to be taken into account if Horn struggles at times.

It’s a real culture shock coming up against dominant NFL wide receivers. But the fact Horn has locked down the likes of Jerry Jeudy, Kyle Pitts, and DeVonta Smith in college are some solid experiences to call upon.

Expectations are high for Horn – which is expected when one considers his potential and where he was drafted. The Panthers know they have a potential alpha on their hands if nurtured in the right way and dad is also going to play a pretty significant role throughout what will hopefully be a standout career.