Main Photo: Michael Ciaglo Imagn Images

Panthers 'Underrated' Rookie Ready to Dominate In 2025

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By David Latham | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn has impressed throughout the offseason, and one writer believes the Colorado product will outplay his draft capital and make an immediate impact for Bryce Young and company. In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson covered five underrated rookies set to make a big impact, and the Panthers sixth-round pick earned the top spot on the list.

“Horn is a threat to turn short passes into bigger gains. He brings a deep speed element that has been missing for Bryce Young, albeit the quarterback needs to complete more than 38.6% of his passes traveling 20-plus yards in the air, per NFL Pro,” Parson writes. “Horn’s most immediate impact should be felt on special teams as a returner. He can flip the field position for more favorable starts for the offense.”

Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network reporter Sracey Dales (left) interviews Colorado quarterback Shadeur Sanders (QB13) and Colorado wideout Jimmy Horn (WO20) during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bleacher Report: Panthers Jimmy Horn Could Dominate In Year 1

Jimmy Horn has a clear path to winning the Panthers returner job, but earning targets may be more difficult. While he has impressed early in training camp, anyone who’s followed the league for a while knows that offseason results don’t always translate to the regular season. Horn has an impressive skillset, but Carolina has several players with promise ahead of him in the pecking order.

Veteran Adam Thielen is on the older side, but the former Minnesota Viking is still a reliable playmaker when healthy. Additionally, top-10 pick Tetairoa McMillan should earn a role right away, and second-year veterans Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker have already established a rapport with Bryce Young. Jimmy Horn could be a diamond in the rough, but nobody should expect him to earn a full-time role in the passing attack right away.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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