Who Should I Start? DeMario Douglas or Jalen Coker

Sunday, January 5, 8:41 PM

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught three of his four targets for 34 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. The second-year slot receiver finishes his 2024 campaign with 66 catches, 621 yards, and three touchdowns. Although he technically out-produced all other Patriots receivers this season, he lost significant ground to Kayshon Boutte as soon as Drake Maye took over as New England's starting quarterback. Heading into 2025, both Boutte and Douglas can expect to face competition as the Patriots bring in a new coaching staff and look to bolster their offense with a big-name wide receiver addition.

Wednesday, June 11, 9:53 PM

The Charlotte Observer's Mike Kaye said that Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (undisclosed) looked fast during offseason practice on Wednesday, and his undisclosed soft-tissue injury appears to be mostly resolved. Both he and Xavier Legette had nice catch-and-run plays during seven-on-seven drills. Coker went undrafted out of Holy Cross last year but latched on with the Panthers and exceeded expectations with a 32-478-2 line on 46 targets over 11 games (four starts). However, the return of veteran Adam Thielen and the team drafting Tetairoa McMillan in the first round of this year's NFL draft won't make it easier for the 23-year-old to develop a bigger role in his sophomore campaign in 2025. If he wants to remain in starting three-wide sets, he's going to have to beat out Legette. RotoBaller has Coker ranked as the No. 69 fantasy receiver.