Latest news with #JimmyHornJr.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Panthers Fans Must Temper Expectations for Jimmy Horn Jr.
Why Panthers Fans Must Temper Expectations for Jimmy Horn Jr. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Carolina Panthers have been desperate for a spark at wide receiver. So when rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. turned heads at minicamp with his blistering speed and natural agility, the fan base did what fan bases do, they got excited. Really excited. But it's time to tap the brakes. Advertisement Yes, Horn's early flashes were impressive. The 5-foot-10, 176-pound speedster offers the kind of vertical burst Carolina's offense lacked last season. After all, the Panthers finished dead last in the NFL in passing yards per game (161.2) in 2024. Add in Horn's upside as a return man, and you've got a player with real potential. But potential and production are two different things. Horn's college résumé doesn't scream 'immediate impact.' In four years across South Florida and Colorado, he totaled 1,967 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His best season? Just 567 yards. For context, fellow rookie Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina's eighth overall pick surpassed 1,400 yards in one season at Arizona. Horn is a late-round flier, not a sure-thing starter. And while Horn could carve out a role as a special teams ace where he averaged 22.2 yards per kick return last year, his transition to NFL-caliber defensive backs will be a major test. As Brian Beversluis of Cat Scratch Reader noted, 'I'm not currently expecting more than a 53-man roster spot at best until we see some training camp and preseason reps.' Related: Panthers Could Give Bryce Young Familiar Weapon in Latest Trade Rumors History also offers a warning. For every Tyreek Hill who breaks out early, there are a dozen rookies who shine in May and disappear by October. The NFL is a grind, and hype doesn't catch passes. Advertisement Panthers fans have every right to be hopeful, especially after last year's strong finish. But hoping Jimmy Horn Jr. becomes Bryce Young's go-to target overnight sets the bar unfairly high. Let him grow, let him prove it, and most importantly, let's not expect a savior from a sixth-round pick just yet. Related: Panthers Wide Receivers Are Catching Attention Before Training Camp Cheer for Horn. Root for the breakout. But don't bet the house on minicamp highlights. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
16-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jimmy Horn Jr. impressing to start his Carolina Panthers career
Jimmy Horn Jr. impressing to start his Carolina Panthers career With rookie minicamps wrapping up around the NFL, there isn't a sixth-round pick turning more heads than a former Colorado star. Taken with the No. 208 pick by the Carolina Panthers, Jimmy Horn Jr. is drawing comparisons to one of the best wide receivers in the NFL from a franchise legend. Part of the Super Bowl 50 Panthers team, former linebacker Thomas Davis said Horn's speed and play reminded him of Tyreek Hill. Horn's speed has been a game-changer since his days at Colorado, which helped him total 95 catches, 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns. After missing his last three games as a Buffalo, Horn ran an eye-popping 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. The praise for Horn didn't end there. ESPN's Louis Riddick said he heard from sources that Horn was the "best wide receiver at Carolina Panthers rookie camp by far." Riddick's reporting stands out as Horn was competing against Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan who the Panthers selected with the No. 9 pick. Horn credits a lot of his development to his time at Colorado, specifically to head coach Deion Sanders. "Our practices at Colorado were probably about 15 minutes longer than this," Horn explained. "Coach Prime prepped us pretty good and the way they ran the system back there was very similar to here." Horn went on to say that he didn't face Colorado star Travis Hunter in practice, but he might just get the opportunity in the NFL. The Jaguars will host the Panthers in the season opener on Sept. 7. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers' rookie unexpectedly announces he 'manifested' Carolina move
Jimmy Horn Jr. hasn't even unpacked all his bags in Charlotte, but he's already talking like someone who's home. The rookie wideout, drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the sixth round, made it clear this city wasn't just another stop on his NFL journey—it's the destination he wanted all along. Advertisement 'I haven't really been all the way through the city,' Horn said this afternoon, 'but the crazy thing, this is where I really wanted to be at. Like after I came on my 30 visit, I prayed about it, manifested it, and I got to drop to here.' It's not just the city's vibe that won him over—it's the opportunity to carve out a name in a franchise steeped in grit and toughness. When asked about former Panthers great Steve Smith Sr., Horn's eyes lit up. And not just out of respect—but recognition. 'He was a strong, short receiver, and he was real explosive every time he touched the ball,' Horn said. 'He knew something was going to go down. He was trying to put somebody in the dirt with his hands… He played relentless and fearless. And I kind of feel like that too.' Advertisement That's lofty company. Smith, a five-time Pro Bowler and the franchise's all-time leading receiver, made a career off of chip-on-the-shoulder toughness. Horn—though only 5'10', 176 pounds—brings his own version of fire: speed. Electric at South Florida and Colorado, Horn ran a 4.39 at his Pro Day. But he insists Panthers fans haven't seen what he can really do yet. 'No, not yet. Not yet. They seen it a little bit,' he said, flashing a grin. 'I'm going to be flying. I'm going to be out of here.' Horn knows comparisons come with pressure, especially when invoking a legend like Smith. But this isn't empty talk—it's a declaration. A rookie who believes he was built for this city, this team, and this moment. Advertisement Charlotte might not have seen the full version of Jimmy Horn Jr. yet. But if he's right—and he often is—it's coming. Fast. Related: Panthers newest draft pick sends blunt message to Carolina and rest of NFL Related: Xavier Legette turned heads at Kentucky Derby in style and spirit
USA Today
26-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Panthers select WR Jimmy Horn Jr. with 208th overall pick of 2025 NFL draft
Panthers select WR Jimmy Horn Jr. with 208th overall pick of 2025 NFL draft The Carolina Panthers started their voyage through the 2025 NFL draft with a receiver, and they just might've ended it with another. Barring an unlikely move back onto the board, the Panthers used their final pick—the 208th overall selection—on University of Colorado wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. A Sanford, Fla. native, Horn split his four-year collegiate career between the University of South Florida and the University of Colorado. In his two seasons at South Florida, one of which resulted in a first-team All-AAC nod, he amassed 67 receptions for 959 yards and four touchdowns. He then transferred over to Colorado to play under head coach Deion Sanders beginning in 2023. Horn totaled 1,008 receiving yards and seven scores off 95 grabs for the Buffaloes. The 5-foot-9, 174-pounder also has experience on special teams. He tallied 33 kick returns and 14 punt returns during his college tenure. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jimmy Horn Jr.'s 2025 NFL Scouting Combine workout
Watch the full on-field workout from Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
