Dave Canales has 3 words on Panthers rookie standout Jimmy Horn's game

Horn played two seasons at South Florida before moving onto the University of Colorado in 2023. In four collegiate seasons, he totaled 162 receptions for 1,967 yards and 11 scores. He also finished with a combined 17 rushing attempts for 128 yards and one touchdown. Horn also returned 33 kickoffs, one for a TD, and 14 punts during his college career.

That latter experience would be highly beneficial to Canales’s club. Only two teams in the league averaged fewer yards per punt return than the Panthers this past season. Carolina was also a dismal 29th in the NFL in kickoff return average.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had this pre-draft scouting report of the 5’8”, 174-pound speedster, and correctly projected him as a sixth- or seventh-round pick. “Horn is small but competitive and has the speed to make teams pay attention,” explained Zierlein. “The target rate and production dipped in 2024, but the hands and catch consistency were vastly improved from 2023. He needs to prove he can uncover against a more athletic and physical brand of coverage in the league.

“Horn catches in traffic without hesitation,” added Zierlein, “and has the wiggle and gas to hit a big play once it is in his hands. The size and durability will concern teams, but he’s fast and fearless, which will appeal to squads looking to stretch the field from the slot.”

Along with giving Young an explosive option, it would certainly be a “gas” if Horn can give the Panthers’ offense better field position on a regular basis.