Who Should I Start? Jalen Coker or Jaylin Noel

Tuesday, May 27, 2:51 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (undisclosed) is working off to the side during Tuesday's practice as he deals with a soft-tissue injury. This move is out of an abundance of caution, according to head coach Dave Canales. After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Coker had a relatively productive rookie season. He secured 32 of his 46 targets for 478 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. The Holy Cross product was on the fantasy football radar on occasion last season and earned at least five targets in five games. While the team added first-round wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025 NFL Draft, Coker could emerge into a full-time starter if Adam Thielen continues to get banged up in his age-35 season. Either way, he should be left on the waiver wire in traditional leagues since he'll likely start the year behind McMillan, Thielen, and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette.

Friday, May 9, 3:52 PM

Per the team's transaction logs, the Houston Texans have signed third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel to a four-year, $6.46 million deal. Noel was the No. 79 overall pick and the second of two Iowa State wideouts selected by the Texans, joining second-rounder and fellow Cyclone Jayden Higgins. With the news that WR Tank Dell (knee) will likely miss the 2025 season, the door is open for both pass catchers to compete for snaps and impact the field. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk does pose a threat and significant target competition. Particularly for Noel, who profiles more like Kirk, considering he operated out of the slot in college. However, the rookie bolsters much more juice than the veteran (4.39 40-yard dash) and should eventually make his way to the starting roster. He caught 80 balls for 1,194 yards last season (eight TDs) and is also a seasoned returner.