Jaycee Horn goes No. 8 overall to Carolina Panthers in NFL Draft

Former star South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn became a first-round pick on Thursday night in the NFL Draft, going No. 8 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

Horn was the first defensive player taken in the draft, and the first Gamecock DB to go in the first round since Stephon Gilmore was drafted 10th overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2012.

In three years with South Carolina, Horn racked up 101 tackles, 23 pass breakups, and two interceptions. He further boosted his draft stock with an impressive showing at USC's pro day, and was considered a consensus first-round pick prior to the draft by most pundits.

The Panthers had been rumored as a team with heavy interest in Horn, although draft night is always unpredictable and Carolina was widely expected to either trade down or make an offensive choice. Horn's selection fills a pressing need for the Panthers in an NFC South division rich with top-flight quarterback and receiving talent. Carolina will be hoping that Horn brings his shutdown ways to the pro level with him.