Ranked No. 4 last season, the Carolina Panthers star cornerback fell in the rankings. Even though he suited up for a career high 15 games, it wasn’t enough as other players passed him up.
Cornerbacks were the subject of ESPN’s final Top 10 rankings. Every vote is anonymous as NFL scouts, coaches, and executives come together to put together these lists. It’s no surprise to see Pat Surtain II top the list once again, while Jaycee Horn fell out of the Top 5.
Jaycee Horn Falls to No. 7 in the Rankings
Interestingly enough, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that most of Horn’s votes had him in the Top 3. A finish there would’ve trumped his No. 4 ranking last season, as he’s been as high as No. 3 in the past. The 25-year-old enters his fifth year in the league as the Panthers signed him to a four-year, $100 million deal.
Back on March 10, Horn solidified himself as the highest-paid defensive back in the league. With $70M guaranteed, the Panthers took a huge risk as Horn has only played in 37 games through four seasons. Once his rookie contract expired, they knew the 2021 1st round pick had enough talent to be a game-changing player.
Last year, the South Carolina graduate totaled career high in total tackles (68), solo tackles (49), assisted tackles (19), and recorded the first two sacks of his career. Horn added another interception to his name, as he now has five in his NFL career.
Ranked above Horn is: Christian Gonzalez, Sauce Gardner, Trent McDuffie, Denzel Ward, Derek Stingley Jr., and the aforementioned Surtain. Recently, Gardner followed in Horn’s shoes as the New York Jets signed him to a four-year, $120.4 million extension.
Anonymous Comments on Horn Dropping to No. 7
Even though he fell in the rankings, it’s clear many of these quotes are from people who see Horn’s potential. An NFC personnel evaluator commented, “His only thing is health. When he’s been on the field the past three years, he’s been good. Can play inside and out, urgent and physical in the run game.”
“It’s hard to run a “duo” play, designed to get the running back to the second level, matched up against the corner on the outside, against Carolina because of Horn,” an NFC offensive coach said.
He added, “That’s supposed to be the worst tackler of the (defense), not him. He’ll clean that up.”
This NFL coordinator chimed in, “Excellent in bump man [coverage], a very good blitzer and tackler.”
Panthers Defense Relies on Horn’s Health
Horn only played three games in his rookie season, but he played 13 in 2022, six in 2023, and 15 last season. If the trend continues, he’s destined to play less than ten games in 2025. That’s not something the Panthers want, as they know their defense is better when Horn is on the field.
The 6’1” 200 pound cornerback may have fallen in the rankings, but he has every chance to work his way back up the ladder. Carolina doesn’t have an easy schedule ahead of them, but it’ll be Horn’s first time not on his rookie contract. It wasn’t easy for the Panthers to hand him $70M, but they’re hoping he’s the spark they need for a 2017 style season.
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