5 Panthers players that must perform for a surprise 2021 playoff berth
By Dean Jones
Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CB
Asking a lot of a rookie cornerback is asking for trouble more often than not. But it’s clear the Carolina Panthers have something special in Jaycee Horn.
Those in power opted to take the South Carolina prospect at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft once the Detroit Lions went with Penei Sewell. Horn comes with the biggest of ceilings and appears more than ready to take on some big responsibilities during his rookie campaign.
Horn has everything one looks for in a top corner at the next level. He is physically imposing, athletic, aggressive, and isn’t afraid of the big occasion. Traits that can assist the Panthers right from the word go.
It’s hard to look at Horn and not be impressed.
His transition to the Panthers has been smooth during the early portion of offseason activities. If he can further build his reputation when the pads go on at training camp and the preseason, then the sky is the limit.
Cornerbacks do tend to struggle in Year 1 no matter where they are drafted. Horn has shut down some of college football’s best over the last couple of years, but that will count for nothing against dominant NFL receivers that turn every mistake into big yardage or points on the board.
Having two veterans alongside him in Donte Jackson and A.J. Bouye will help. But don’t be surprised if Horn is tasked with covering the opposition’s best pass-catching weapon from his first snap.