Jalen Coker, a second-year wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, has shown steady progress during training camp as he prepares for the team’s final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Tuesday, Coker and quarterback Bryce Young connected on a deep touchdown pass during practice, highlighting their growing chemistry.
“I was running an out, the nickel buzzed out, the corner went over the top, so I was able to kind of take advantage of that free access space back there,” Coker said after practice. “and Bryce put it on the money.”
Coker and Young have built a strong connection throughout camp. This partnership began in earnest during the second half of last season but was interrupted when Coker dealt with injuries during the offseason and faced increased competition at his position earlier this summer.
Despite these challenges, Coker has worked his way back into a significant role on offense. Last season as an undrafted free agent, he appeared in 11 games and recorded 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns. However, he emphasized that past performance does not guarantee future success.
“I think it’s easy to kind of fall into that and be like I’ve kind of proven myself,” said Coker. “But I try not to think about that because it’s a new year every year, and they’re, you know, everyone in the league will say it, they’re trying to replace you every single year.
“So if I can’t, if I don’t get any better, then I’m getting worse, so I’m going to continue to work hard and improve myself again and again and again and again and however many times it takes.”
Coker also shifted his focus toward special teams this year—a role he had not previously taken seriously. His commitment helped him stand out among receivers competing for roster spots. In the preseason opener against Houston, he played five snaps on special teams in addition to 29 offensive snaps.
“Coming out of college, you want to be a receiver, you want to be a starter and all that stuff, so I think I didn’t take it as seriously,” shared Coker. “So then to come into this year, you know, bigger room, I got to make an impact in a different way, so really buying into special teams, become a better blocker; all around just a better athlete; so that’s kind of how I’ve taken it.
“I think if you want to be great you’re going to find a way to balance both (teams and receiver), and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
With starters sitting out tonight’s game against Pittsburgh—a group that sometimes included Coker last season—he will have another opportunity for live reps after missing last week’s contest due to illness.
“This is just so valuable for him just to kind of make sure that he’s still capitalizing on the conditioning level; you know; getting ready for week one,” head coach Dave Canales explained Tuesday.
For Coker himself: “I can just control what I can; and what I can control is coming out to practice every day; work; and put good things on film; so that’s how I look at it. I try not to overthink too many things because that’ll just clutter up my mind and I just have to keep the right path,” said Coker.
“It’s just another opportunity just to get better; work my craft; just kind of put everything together that I’ve been working on this camp and just go out on a strong note.”
