Carolina Panthers: NFL analyst tabs Jaycee Horn as 2022 breakout candidate

In just three games last season, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn made his presence felt. He missed all but Carolina’s first three weeks due to a broken foot in Week 3. With him back healthy heading into his second NFL season, some are expecting him to finish the breakout he was on his way towards during his rookie year.

15 year NFL veteran turned NFL.com analyst DeAngelo Hall compiled a list of breakout corners for 2022. Horn was at the top of his list because of his production in limited time along with his overall mentality.

“I was gutted when Horn’s 2021 season ended in Week 3 with a foot injury. Until that point, he looked smooth and comfortable, and his production proved it,” said Hall. “On 69 coverage snaps in three games, Horn allowed two catches for 18 yards and had one INT according to Next Gen Stats. Coming into this season healthy with a dawg mentality, he’s poised to pick up right where he left off.”

Carolina drafted Horn No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He made it clear as to why with an interception and five tackles in his limited appearance. He was a big part of the Panther defense that helped the team start 3-0 in 2021. They went on to finish 2-12 after his Week 3 injury.

Hall says while there are other special, young corners, we can’t forget Horn just because of his injury. He has taken his offseason rehab seriously and has been back in rare form during Carolina’s training camp.

“I’ve watched (Horn) in training sessions this offseason and in training camp and his competitiveness is off the charts. He competes on every drill, exercise and play and, honestly, that tenaciousness reminds me of (myself),” Hall said. “As great as (Patrick) Surtain was last season, we have to remember that Horn was the first cornerback taken off the draft board…These two guys are 1A and 1B. Horn, son of former 12-year NFL receiver and four-time Pro Bowler Joe Horn, is well on his way to becoming an elite player, and that starts with blanketing No. 1 receivers weekly in the NFC South this fall.”

Locking up the likes of Mike Evans, Michael Thomas, Chris Godwin is challenge for the best corners in the league. With that said, it’s something that Horn takes head on. He’s ready to be back on the field and, if Hall is right, make a name for himself by his second year of pro football.