Ranking the 10 best Carolina Panthers players from 2022 season

Jaycee Horn – Carolina Panthers CB

• 53 tackles
• 7 passes defended
• 3 interceptions
• 55% completion allowed
• 62.4 passer rating when targeted

Son of former Pro Bowl wide receiver Joe Horn, Jaycee Horn returned after missing most of the 2021 season and played at a near All-Pro level. The cornerback flew under the radar for most of the year and getting snubbed by the Pro Bowl selectors is proof of that.

But when playing corner, sometimes it is best to go unnoticed.

Horn had three interceptions despite offenses not throwing the ball his way too much. Even though he still has some learning to do when playing against the run, the No. 8 overall selection in 2021 is one of the elite coverage corners in the NFL.

When an NFL team has someone with Horn’s capabilities, it can completely close one side of the field when defending the pass. This is very valuable to any defense, especially in the pass-happy NFL.

Horn had that impact on the Carolina Panthers. That is why he was their best player.

Going down with his broken wrist against the Detroit Lions meant Horn was out of the lineup in the season-ending loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Three back-breaking Mike Evans touchdowns showed how valuable the South Carolina product is.

If Horn played in that game, the Panthers likely beat the Buccaneers. And they would have entered Week 18 with a shot at making the playoffs.

Horn is already a top-tier cornerback at 23 years old and only has 17 NFL starts under his belt. One can only imagine how much better he can still become.