#Panthers WR Jimmy Horn Jr. vs. UCF: a thread 🧵

It would be smart to get Horn in space. He knows how to win the edge with acceleration and burst to the sideline. Dynamic AA provides for potential RAC possibilities. pic.twitter.com/G3PBvjJA90

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) May 2, 2025

Although the Carolina Panthers turned some heads with their first pick in the 2025 NFL draft, it’s their last that has caused quite a stir of late.

General manager Dan Morgan and company finished up their work in this year’s selection process by nabbing University of Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. in the sixth round. And since then, the speedy Horn has had fans buzzing—and truly believing that he can bring a new and much-needed dimension to the team’s developing offense.

So, how real is the hype?

To get a better understanding of Horn’s skill set and what he can potentially bring to the table, let’s break down his performance against the University of Central Florida from this past season.

The Film

Since Robbie Chosen’s ugly exit from Carolina, the offense has lacked a true vertical playmaker who can stretch the field and put stress on post and deep-third defenders. Horn, given his speed and instant acceleration, is someone who can potentially provide that in spurts.

In the first clip, you see the underneath shallow crosser that gets Horn in space against opposing linebackers dropping into their shells. Watch how suddenly he gets to top speed to win the edge and pick up some chunk yards, something the Panthers offense has missed for years . . .

Horn’s speed also allows him to get into space quickly and eat coverage cushions as he runs the vertical plane. This is where he can put tremendous pressure on back-five defenders in zone coverage, as his speed creates natural separation against man.

Jimmy Horn’s instant acceleration allows him to eat up space quickly while exploding out of the route stem. Could be an interesting vertical element to the #Panthers offense. pic.twitter.com/mvRuMBEdVT

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) May 2, 2025

Despite a smaller frame at 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds, Horn has an impressive catch radius and ball-tracking ability that allows him to adjust to passes. He plays with quality body control that allows for some great snags and improves the accuracy window for his quarterback.

On this play, where quarterback Shedeur Sanders throws an inaccurate pass, Horn exemplifies good tracking and adjustment to the fade ball. There is also good pacing and tempo in his route, which has shown up consistently on his film.

This is where the short-area twitch comes into play, especially at the line of scrimmage. Horn shows good variations in his releases to help with timing within the offensive structure.

Not-ideal accuracy from Shedeur, but good pacing and tempo on the fade route from Jimmy Horn, with a nice adjustment to attempt at the catch. pic.twitter.com/a2eV2pcLHL

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) May 2, 2025

There were, however, some inconsistencies with Horn—including coverage-reading and keying, working back to the football and his aggression at the catch point. He’s also a smaller wideout who should be regulated to reps in the slot, at least to start, due to issues against more physical defenders.

The size issues come up in the clip below, when he begins working into space and goes down after contact. Horn must do a better job of making himself available and working back to the quarterback.

When it comes to option routes, Jimmy Horn will need refinement. He’s inconsistent with the pacing and tempo, rushing into a predetermined route. While he does make the catch, refinement could allow him to work in and sit in grass for a possession-like reception. pic.twitter.com/Wb1IWHXUwJ

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) May 2, 2025

Another inconsistent aspect from
Jimmy Horn are his ball skills, particularly working back to the football. Don’t allow the DB to play through you. Attack the ball! pic.twitter.com/sF77FhJHlb

— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) May 2, 2025The Verdict

Horn could be the Day 3 hit the Panthers have been looking for. Again, he has the chops to provide Carolina with the instant speed their offense has lacked for far too long.

Morgan was smart to bookend the draft class with another playmaker who could add a uniqueness to the unit. And while this won’t be an easy receiver room to make come Week 1, Horn has a little special something that could get him on the 53-man roster and on the field quickly.

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