Who Should I Start? Adonai Mitchell or Jalen Coker

Tuesday, August 5, 8:31 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is starting to look like a star at training camp, according to Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star. Mitchell struggled with drops in the first week of practices, but he's put that behind him and is now having a strong summer heading into the preseason opener this week. The 22-year-old former second-rounder (52nd overall) in 2024 had only 23 receptions on 55 targets for 312 yards and no touchdowns in 17 games (seven starts) in his rookie campaign. It's not a surprise that Mitchell struggled given the inconsistency at the quarterback position for the Colts last year, but the problem is it might not get much better in 2025. He'll be battling for the WR3 role next to Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Mitchell is one to keep an eye on, but given that volume and efficiency could be problems, he'll go undrafted in 12-team fantasy leagues.

Tuesday, June 17, 2:43 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker enjoyed a relatively productive rookie campaign in 2024, securing 32 of his 46 targets for 478 yards and two touchdowns. That's a solid season of productivity for an undrafted rookie out of Holy Cross, and he could be a contributor in 2025. However, Joe Person of The Athletic did not include Coker as a roster lock at wideout. He listed Adam Thielen, Tetairoa McMillan, and Xavier Legette as safely making the 53-man roster and mentioned rookie Jimmy Horn is likely to make the team thanks to his skills as a returner. The team only carried five wide receivers last season to begin the year, so that leaves Coker, Hunter Renfrow, Dan Chisena, David Moore, and Jacolby George potentially fighting for the last spot. "Special teams is going to be such a huge piece of that puzzle. How can these guys help us in the coverage units? Can they help us as a returner?" Head coach Dave Canales said. "That's the part where we get to challenge our guys to find a role, take this thing seriously. 'You're not here just to catch passes. We only get so many helmets on game day, so we need all of you guys to contribute in different ways." Coker is likely the "favorite" to win a roster spot, but this situation should be monitored. Should Coker not make the team, there should be plenty of interest in his services.