Who Should I Start? Hunter Henry or Jalen Coker

Thursday, May 29, 1:21 PM

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) is in attendance and taking part in voluntary organized team activities this week, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. Henry was not limited in any capacity during Wednesday's session despite missing the Week 18 regular-season finale last year due to a foot injury. The 30-year-old former second-round pick (35th overall) by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016 out of Arkansas set career-highs in catches (66), targets (97) and receiving yards (674) while scoring just twice in 16 starts for the Patriots in his fourth year with the team in 2024. Austin Hooper, who caught 45 passes a year ago, remains in town, but Henry is the team's unquestioned top pass-catching tight end, and he has strong chemistry with second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Henry should find the end more in 2025, but the addition of receiver Stefon Diggs will take away valuable targets.

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.