Jimmy Horn Jr. hasn’t wasted time turning heads in his first NFL training camp. For a sixth-round pick trying to make his mark, every rep matters. Every drill is a chance to prove he belongs. Horn Jr. is making sure no one forgets his name.
How Is Jimmy Horn Jr. Impressing Panthers Coaches Early?
Out of Colorado, Horn made a strong impression with his speed, effort, and energy on the field. Known for his ability to separate from defenders and make plays after the catch, Horn quickly showed the traits that made him one of Colorado’s most dynamic weapons in 2023.
If there’s one person who’s already bought into the rookie’s potential, it’s Panthers head coach Dave Canales.”I just love the way that he plays football,” Canales said. “It’s full speed all the time.”
That relentless motor is something Canales and his staff have noticed immediately. Whether it’s stretching the field during live reps or running drills in the heat of the Carolina summer, Horn Jr. hasn’t taken a moment off.
Jimmy Horn Jr. drilling footwork pic.twitter.com/6KUtRnD9Ya
— Receiver Drills (@ReceiverDrills) July 25, 2025
“Some guys we have to really teach them how to get into a walk-through mode. He’s one of those guys,” Canales said. “Everything he does is fast.”
The work rate has drawn comparisons from Canales to wide receiver Deven Thompkins, a smaller, explosive player he worked with in Tampa Bay who also joined him in Carolina last year. Like Thompkins, Horn may not be the biggest player on the field, but his impact is impossible to miss.
“They just bring out the best in everybody because you know when they’re out there, they’re going 100 miles an hour, full speed and they’re looking to take the top off,” Canales added. “Whether it’s in drills or in the team periods, it’s just all gas.”
What Makes Horn Jr. Stand Out Among Panthers Receivers?
Horn’s speed and urgency have become part of his identity at camp, not just with coaches but also with teammates. Every snap is a chance to prove himself, and he’s running with it, literally. His intensity has created momentum as he pushes to carve out a role in a wide receiver room full of competition.
For a player picked outside the top 200, Horn Jr. has already managed to stand out not with flash, but with fuel. Pace, eagerness, and a reluctance to slow down are the cornerstones of his game. Horn Jr. ensures he is not overlooked in a training camp where first impressions count.
Training camp continues, but one thing is clear: Horn is coming at full speed.