Jalen Coker was a key figure during the Carolina Panthers’ joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on Wednesday. The second-year wide receiver made notable plays throughout each period of the session, catching passes from both Bryce Young and Andy Dalton in 7-on-7 and team drills.
Coker’s performance began with an over-the-shoulder catch from Young. He later caught a touchdown pass from Dalton, who found him in the flat after lofting a throw over two defenders. Coker continued to make plays, including another big catch down the sideline during a scramble drill from Young.
Head coach Dave Canales commented on Coker’s progress since last season: “I think Jalen has taken full advantage of the five weeks that we had off since the spring,” Canales said. “In OTAs, he kind of just was ramping up, kind of getting a plan for his readiness, and he came back a different athlete. I have to say, of all the guys, Jalen really did a great job of just working on his transition, his speed, his body comp, his readiness for practice, and all that, and I think he’s just taking steps.”
Coker joined the Panthers as an undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross last year and was promoted to the active roster before Week 4. He finished his first NFL season with 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns. Canales noted that Coker’s experience last year has helped him develop: “He was a rookie last year, kind of thrown into the fire, and this year, now he’s got a plan, he’s got a routine,” Canales said. “We talked to the guys about the routines and people ask who are the players that you’ve seen have success over time; it’s the ones, the young players that have had that have been able to help. They just kind of watch a veteran player and they just follow their preparation when they study, when they take care of their body, how they recover their legs and all those things and Jalen, he shows up like this, you know, and you’re playing against other pros and he’s got game experience so this isn’t too big for Jalen.”
The Panthers’ wide receiver group is competitive heading into roster cuts. Special teams play may determine which receivers secure final spots on the team. Last season Coker played only 31 special teams snaps but has increased his involvement during this offseason.
Canales highlighted Coker’s growth in this area: “I’m also excited about his impact on special teams,” Canales said. “He’s done a great job this camp also covering kicks and also as a blocker.” He added: “It’s huge and I think it tells us a lot about the football player…their ability to adjust on the fly…those guys will show up more we have live reps like we did today…and these preseason opportunities where…who are the guys that can execute get off blocks or maintain it?”
Coker’s development is being closely watched as training camp continues.
