Jaycee Horn #8 of the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers’ defense has shown flashes of promise in 2024, and much of that success can be attributed to the stellar play of cornerback Jaycee Horn. Finally able to stay healthy for a full season, Horn has cemented himself as a top-tier defender in the league. However, while his future in Carolina seems secure, the team is facing tough decisions regarding the rest of the cornerback room.
With players like Mike Jackson Sr. making a solid case for a future role with the Panthers, and Dane Jackson still working his way back to consistent form, Carolina’s cornerback situation remains in flux. Rookie Chau Smith-Wade is still an unknown, and while Caleb Farley has shown potential, he remains a project for another offseason. In short, the Panthers have a lot to think about as they look to build a championship-caliber secondary.
One player who could solidify the Panthers’ defensive future is Will Johnson, a standout cornerback out of Michigan, who has been impressing scouts with his elite skills. According to Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spin Zone, the Panthers could use their No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Johnson — a move that would address the team’s needs at cornerback and pair perfectly with Horn to form a lockdown duo.
Will Johnson: The Next Patrick Surtain II?
Johnson’s upside is undeniable. Bedinger compares him to Patrick Surtain II, who has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks since being drafted by the Denver Broncos. Johnson’s three-year career at Michigan has been filled with success, showcasing a rare combination of size, length, and technique that make him a potential star at the next level.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound cornerback excels in mirroring wide receivers, with excellent footwork and fast reactions at the top of route stems. His versatility allows him to thrive in various defensive schemes, whether press, zone, or off-coverage, which would give Panthers defensive coordinator Dan Morgan more flexibility in designing his secondary. While Johnson’s tackling technique could use some refinement, it’s a fixable issue that could be coached up quickly at the next level.
Why Will Johnson Makes Sense for the Panthers
With Bryce Young continuing to develop at quarterback, the Panthers may have bought themselves a bit of time before needing to address the most important position on the field again. However, Carolina’s defense, especially the secondary, still requires significant upgrades. The combination of Horn and a high-caliber prospect like Johnson would provide a rock-solid foundation for years to come. If Johnson lives up to expectations, the Panthers would have one of the league’s best cornerback tandems, capable of locking down opposing wide receivers and providing major help to a defensive line that is still in need of improvement.
Though the Panthers do have other pressing needs — including bolstering their defensive line, edge rushers, and wide receivers — building a dominant cornerback duo is a luxury that few teams have the chance to pull off. With Horn already in place and Johnson potentially joining him, Carolina could create a dynamic, game-changing secondary that would be tough to beat for years to come.
As the offseason approaches, Panthers fans should be excited about the potential to draft a player who could elevate their defense to elite status. If Johnson is the pick, it could signal the start of a new era in Carolina’s secondary, one where the Panthers become a true contender in the NFC.
