Carolina Panthers’ Rookie Minicamp: Wide Receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. Stands Out

From Sanford to the NFL: The Rise of Jimmy Horn Jr.

Born and raised in Sanford, Florida, Jimmy Horn Jr. was always a blur on the field. At Seminole High School, he developed a reputation as a speedster who could blow past any defender. Despite his athleticism, Horn didn’t attract major Power Five offers. That slight drove him to work harder, ultimately accepting a scholarship from South Florida.

At USF, Horn quickly emerged as a deep threat, catching 30 passes for 480 yards and four touchdowns in 2021. However, it was clear he needed a bigger stage. That opportunity came in 2023, when he transferred to Colorado to play under the bright lights of Deion Sanders’ rebuild project.

Though the Buffaloes struggled as a team, Horn was a bright spot. He finished his final college season with 42 catches for 603 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing not only breakaway speed but improved route discipline and versatility.

Draft Day: Overlooked, but Not Undervalued

Despite his productivity, Horn fell to the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Scouts cited his smaller frame (5-foot-10, 176 pounds) and questioned his ability to win against NFL-level physicality. However, the Panthers saw something different.

Head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan were drawn to Horn’s explosiveness and competitive spirit. Carolina needed a receiver who could stretch the field and create yards after the catch—Horn’s bread and butter.

“He plays with a chip on his shoulder,” said Morgan on draft night. “He’s fast, he’s hungry, and he’s a guy we think can make an impact not only on offense but also on special teams.”

Rookie Minicamp: Making a Statement

From the moment he stepped onto the practice field at Bank of America Stadium, Horn looked like a pro. While many rookies took time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, Horn thrived.

Route Running

One of the biggest revelations was his precision in route running. Horn consistently got open in one-on-one drills, using quick footwork and deceptive body control to shake defenders. His cuts were sharp, and he showed a veteran-level understanding of spacing.

“He just gets open,” wide receivers coach Mike Furrey said. “He knows how to attack leverage, when to gear down, and how to create separation at the top of his route. That’s rare for a rookie.”

Speed and Burst

Horn’s speed is his calling card, and it translated immediately. Whether it was fly routes or shallow crosses, Horn accelerated with a gear few others on the field could match. Even Panthers veterans in attendance noted how smooth and fast he looked.

“He can flat-out fly,” said one team scout. “If he gets a step on you, it’s over.”

Hands and Concentration

While speed and agility are his strengths, Horn also impressed with his hands. He made several difficult catches during minicamp, including a highlight-reel grab on a deep ball thrown behind him in full stride. His concentration and ability to adjust in the air showed polish uncommon in a sixth-round rookie.

Comparisons and Ceiling: The Tyler Lockett Mold?

NFL insiders have begun drawing comparisons between Horn and Seattle Seahawks wideout Tyler Lockett. Like Horn, Lockett was viewed as undersized entering the league, but quickly became a reliable and explosive receiver thanks to elite speed, route nuance, and football IQ.

Horn also shares similarities with Tank Dell of the Houston Texans, another small-framed receiver who broke out as a rookie in 2023. Dell’s ability to shift into open space and become a trusted target for C.J. Stroud mirrors what Carolina hopes Horn becomes for Bryce Young.

That’s not to say Horn is guaranteed success. He’ll have to earn his reps in a competitive receiver room and continue to show he can handle the physicality of NFL defenders. But his early trajectory has scouts and coaches buzzing.

Role in 2025: Slot Weapon and Special Teams Star?

As of now, Horn is battling for the WR4 or WR5 slot on the Panthers’ depth chart, behind likely starters like Diontae Johnson, Xavier Worthy, and Jonathan Mingo. But make no mistake—his path to playing time is wide open.

Horn is tailor-made for the slot. He’s quick enough to beat nickel corners off the line, and his burst allows him to turn short completions into long gains. If Carolina goes with a spread look—three or four wide receivers—Horn could see the field often.

Additionally, he’s expected to make an immediate impact on special teams. At Colorado and USF, Horn returned both punts and kickoffs. That versatility is something the Panthers have lacked in recent seasons.

“He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands,” said special teams coordinator Tracy Smith. “When you have someone like that, you find ways to get him touches.”