Not too long ago, Carolina’s secondary was easily the biggest weakness on this team. For several years, the Panthers had no depth at cornerback and when they finally got a good one they let him walk and sign with the Giants. Until he was released earlier this year, Tre Boston was their only solidly reliable safety since the 2015 season.
All that appears to be changing before our eyes, though. General manager Scott Fitterer came in with a clear goal of upgrading the DB room, beginning with investing a top-10 pick in former South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.
Horn will be the centerpiece of this unit over the next several years if all goes according to plan. While the learning curve at his position is exceptionally brutal, Horn has acquitted himself quite well in the early days at training camp. After today’s practice, safety Jeremy Chinn said he’s definitely a playmaker.
Today alone, Horn picked off starting quarterback Sam Darnold on a pass that came off tight end Ian Thomas’ hands. He also notched an interception on an overthrow by backup QB P.J. Walker.
Hopefully this strong start carries over into the preseason and he can hit the ground running.
If Chinn continues to develop, Horn lives up to all the hype and A.J. Bouye works out in the slot, this secondary could soon turn into one of the Panthers’ strengths.
