Source: Jonathan Bachman / Getty
The Carolina Panthers selected South Carolina defensive back Jaycee Horn with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday.
Horn is the most physically athletic press corner in this year’s draft class. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he plays the game with a true defender’s mentality and can match any receiver step-for-step in coverage. A nice frame with long arms allows him to compete well in man coverage with big, physical targets such as tight ends. He also has the quickness to follow receivers into the slot, if necessary.
The former Gamecock is a very confident player with a brash demeanor he exhibits through his work on the field. He shows great competitive toughness in his willingness to match up against anyone and will often chirp in between plays. Horn finished his collegiate career with 101 tackles, 23 pass deflections and two interceptions in 30 games.
This is third time Carolina has taken a defensive back in the first round of the NFL Draft. The first since 2004 when they took Chris Gamble (No. 28 overall).
Jaycee is the son of 12-year NFL veteran and four-time Pro Bowler Joe Horn. He becomes the fifth South Carolina defensive back selected in the first round since 1967. The first since Stephon Gilmore (No. 10 overall in 2012).
Carolina Panthers select South Carolina DB Jaycee Horn No. 8 in NFL Draft was originally published on wbt.com
