5 biggest questions heading into Panthers training camp in 2021
By Will Burns
Was Jaycee Horn the right draft pick by the Carolina Panthers?
Jaycee Horn has all the traits you look for in a lockdown corner, and although it was something of a surprise, it was the right pick at the time. The only problem is that the Carolina Panthers passed on quarterback Justin Fields at No. 8 overall, primarily down to their decision to trade for Sam Darnold before the draft.
Even if Horn becomes an All-Pro, it won’t matter.
Because if Fields turns into a superstar quarterback and Darnold struggles, all that will be remembered is Carolina passing on the former Ohio State star when they had the chance to revolutionize the position in the wake of Cam Newton’s departure.
This question is completely unfair to Horn – unless he plays poorly). But this will be a real debate if Fields plays well enough for the Chicago Bears to make people think twice about Carolina’s thought process this offseason.
Only time will tell if Horn was the right selection. But it’s hard to look at his talent and not think he’ll make a massive difference to a secondary that went through some problems when Donte Jackson wasn’t healthy in 2020.
Horn will look the part at training camp. Whether this transitions into solid production when it matters most is another matter.