5 best pairings on the Carolina Panthers roster in 2022
By Dean Jones
Donte Jackson & Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CBs
There is a high level of excitement about the cornerback room next season. The Carolina Panthers couldn’t work something out with All-Pro Stephon Gilmore in free agency, but this unit has more than enough to become an area of strength when competitive action begins.
This is thanks in no small part to the impending return of Jaycee Horn. The No. 8 overall selection in 2021 looked like a shutdown corner before breaking his foot in Week 3 at the Houston Texans, which was a significant blow considering how influential the South Carolina product became in such a short space of time.
If Horn suffers no lingering effects from the long-term problem, then the Panthers are going to be a force. This is enhanced by the presence of Donte Jackson, who ended speculation about his future by penning a new three-year extension earlier this year.
Jackson is a tremendous presence against the run and more than holds his own in coverage. The former LSU standout is also emerging as a prominent leader within the locker room to further enhance his influence.
This has all the makings of an exceptional cornerback pairing. If Horn and Jackson reach or even exceed expectations, then one could make a strong case for this duo becoming the best in franchise history when it’s all said and done.