There’s no doubt that Carolina Panthers wideout Jimmy Horn Jr. puts the pedal to the metal.
Horn, as he was during spring workouts, was an interesting topic of conversation for head coach Dave Canales on Thursday. Canales spoke on what he loves about the rookie receiver, who flashed at Thursday’s training camp session.
“Yeah, I just love the way that he plays football. It’s full speed all the time,” Canales told reporters after practice. “Some guys, we have to really teach them how to get in a walk-through mode. He’s one of those guys. Everything he does is fast.
“I think about Deven Thompkins—who I love, who was here last year. They just bring out the best in everybody because you know, when they’re out there, they’re going 100 miles per hour, full speed and they’re looking to take the top off. So, I love that style about Jimmy. And what he’s shown us—whether it’s in drills or in the team periods, he’s just all gas.”
The Panthers, fueled by some conviction out of general manager Dan Morgan, selected Horn in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft. The 5-foot-8, 174-pounder would proceed to make an immediate impression at rookie minicamp, where he turned heads with his startling speed.
For the first time in a long time, making Carolina’s initial 53-man roster as a wide receiver could be tough. The room features a handful of intriguing and capable weapons—including first-rounders Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, two-time Pro Bowler Adam Thielen and 2024 standout Jalen Coker.
But Horn’s jets, which are rather unique for this Panthers offense, may very well drive him right into a roster spot come Week 1.
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