As the 2024 NFL Draft came to a close last spring, wide receiver Jalen Coker remained without an NFL home.
A former standout at FCS Holy Cross, Coker, who was sensational during the pre-draft process, was ultimately presented with an opportunity from Panthers GM Dan Morgan post-draft. While it’s a fate often shared by many small-school stars who face skepticism toward their ability to transition to the next level, Coker has silenced doubters in his rookie campaign, evolving into a remarkable success story as a key piece for the Carolina offense.
Coker's journey to production hasn’t been linear. Signed as an UDFA shortly after the draft, the 6-foot-3 pass-catcher faced an uphill battle to make the Panthers' roster. While his size, route-running, and ability to win in contested situations caught the attention of Panthers brass during rookie minicamp and into the summer months, Carolina opted to go a different route during final cuts, leading to his release with the regular season just a few weeks away. For many undrafted players, a release after their first camp can often mean the end of a short road at the NFL level. But for Coker, it was a learning lesson and a move that forced him to grind even harder.
Moving forward into the season, the Panthers’ decision to stash Coker on their practice squad proved to be a critical move. While Coker remained uninvolved the first month of the season, injuries and correlating transactions at the position opened the door for Coker to be eventually elevated to the active roster in Week 4. From there on, it was clear that Coker belonged. And in his first real taste of volume in Week 5, Coker hauled all four of his targets for 68 yards against the Chicago Bears.
Since then, Coker’s role has continued to expand as the season progressed. His knack for finding soft spots in coverage has made him a reliable target for whoever is under center. In just the last two weeks, Coker has earned 14 targets from Bryce Young. More than just numbers, it’s a confidence in his game seen from Young and members of the coaching staff that have presented a much larger platter of work now in his rookie campaign.
It came full circle for Coker against Dallas in Week 15. From going under-recruited back as a prep athlete, to not hearing his name called in the draft and his initial release just a few short months ago, his four-catch, 110-yard performance against Dallas placed the spotlight firmly on Coker for what looks like the first of many times in his NFL career. While veteran Adam Thielen has been a steady presence and rookie Xavier Legette has had his flashes, Coker’s development has provided another dynamic element to the offense, and in a larger microscope, he’s been one of Carolina’s standout additions from their 2024 rookie class.
Looking ahead, Coker projects as a valuable piece for Carolina’s offensive future that is still searching for its foundational identity. As the experiment with Young continues, having youth-infused, gritty, athletic targets like Coker will be essential in his development. Players that not only can holster a heavy amount of volume through the air, but also aren’t afraid to block in the run game, Coker’s ability to do it all, and do it well, will hold weight in the mind of head coach Dave Canales.
For a player who entered the league with little attention, from the public eye, Coker’s rise is a testament to a consistent attention to detail never-ending grind to the active 53-man roster this summer. It’s a journey that serves as a reminder that talent can be found in all corners and levels of the country, and that opportunity, when met with preparedness, can lead to production at the highest level.
While his best football remains down the road as he continues to evolve, Coker has already proven that volume his way will often result in production. And as the Panthers continue to build toward sustained success, expect Coker to play a significant role in both their short, and long-term blueprint.
