5 Panthers players whose hype train is rolling ahead of 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CB
There were more than a few eyebrows raised when the Carolina Panthers selected promising cornerback Jaycee Horn at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The South Carolina product enjoyed a phenomenal season with the Gamecocks in 2020, which was matched by a jaw-dropping display of physical dominance during the evaluation process.
Although the temptation was there to select Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields, the move to acquire Sam Darnold meant it was unrealistic and those in power went with a player that has the potential to instantly transform their secondary.
Horn isn’t going to back down from any challenge. Something we saw a ton of during joint practices that threatened to spill out of control on occasions.
He talks big. But also has the skills to back it up.
This is a mindset that’s been lacking from the Panthers on a consistent basis. Certainly last time around in the immediate aftermath of Luke Kuechly’s retirement.
The task will now fall on Horn and others to show just how good this unit can be. There are going to be some bumps in the road – which is expected of first-year players at the position – but the potential for the rookie to shine right out of the gate is evident.
Horn’s hype train has generated some substantial momentum this offseason. The time has now come for him to deliver on his enormous promise.