Who Should I Start? Demarcus Robinson or Jalen Coker

Friday, June 13, 12:08 PM

It sounds like San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson took advantage of Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf) and Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) sitting out of offseason workouts this spring. The 30-year-old filled in nicely as the reliable veteran, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. Robinson isn't flashy but is well-versed in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense after spending the last two years with the Los Angeles Rams, which made him a frequent and trusted target for quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Mac Jones during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The former fourth-rounder (126th overall) by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016 out of Florida is basically an insurance policy for Aiyuk this year. While he's getting extra reps now with three starting wideouts sidelined, Robinson isn't likely to see the field enough during the regular season as long as Jennings and Pearsall are ready for Week 1.

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.