4 final thoughts ahead of first practice at Panthers training camp in 2021

Can the Carolina Panthers count on Jaycee Horn?

All eyes and high expectations will be on Jaycee Horn at Panthers training camp. The No. 8 overall selection comes into the NFL with the highest of ceilings, so how he adjusts during team drills, scrimmages, and preseason games is going to be crucial in the pursuit of making an immediate impression.

Horn just looks like a shutdown cornerback. His size, physicality, and mentality could transform this group in Carolina and if Donte Jackson stays healthy, it would undoubtedly be the best tandem the Panthers have ever had at the position.

The Panthers will be throwing plenty Horn’s way at camp. Going up against prolific, proven players like D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, and David Moore should also help smooth the transition ahead of his big moment going against some of the best wideouts in the business when competitive action begins.

There will be some obvious dismay if Justin Fields goes on to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player after the Panthers passed on the Ohio State quarterback. But that should not detract from what a special talent Horn can be.

Just how much the Panthers can depend on Horn when push comes to shove as a rookie is still undetermined. First-year corners tend to go through some early complications, so the South Carolina product needs to make sure he doesn’t fall to a similar fate.