Analysis: Panthers take huge risk picking Jaycee Horn over Justin Fields

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It’s not fair, but Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn will forever be attached to Justin Fields. For better or for worse.

With one of the most potent quarterback prospects in years somehow still on the board, the Panthers instead opted for Horn with the 2021 draft’s eighth overall selection in the first big shocker of the night. The former South Carolina cornerback is not going to solve anything under center for this team, who have been hurting for a franchise QB since the decline of Cam Newton.

Horn, will, however, make things harder for opposing quarterbacks, something the Panthers have also struggled with for quite some time.

Horn – 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds – is one heck of a clean prospect himself. Laurie Fitzpatrick of The Draft Wire describes the Alpharetta, GA native as a “physical tackler” who “has an eye for the ball.” He’s willing in coverage, possesses active hands and is notably polished in his technique upon the catch, where he uses those hands and strength to make the reception an entire process.

Son of former pro wideout Joe, Jacyee has strong bloodlines as well. Bottomline, he’s a special athlete at the corner position, with a near perfect relative athletic score.

Horn joins a revamped defensive back room alongside A.J. Bouye, Rashaan Melvin, Donte Jackson and Troy Pride Jr. He will undoubtedly help improve a Panthers defense that finished near the middle of the pack in passing yards allowed in 2020 (239.1) and presumably start very early on.

However, this pick will always be tied to the passing up of Fields, who the Chicago Bears traded up to eventually select at No. 11 overall. You cannot win in the NFL without a quality quarterback.

For the Panthers, Horn was apparently too good to let go in taking that shot with the Ohio State University superstar. And while Horn is as safe as a player as they can come, the pick itself is one heck of a risk that may bite general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule in the behind sooner rather than later.

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