Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Jalen Coker

Wednesday, May 28, 3:45 PM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins is "moving great" at practice this offseason, according to head coach Jim Harbaugh. The 32-year-old signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the organization this offseason after spending last year with the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs. Hopkins, who has seven seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards on his resume, is not likely to be a consistent producer at this stage of his career, but he could still contribute as a third or fourth option in a passing attack. In 2024, he caught 15 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown in six games for Tennessee and hauled in 41 passes for 437 yards and four scores for Kansas City. With Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews on the roster, the veteran is likely competing with Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman for looks in 2025. He won't be a must-start fantasy option, but he could have streaming appeal in favorable matchups during his 13th NFL campaign.

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.