Who Should I Start? Jalen Coker or Luther Burden III

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.

Saturday, July 26, 11:31 AM

Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed) remains out of training camp practice on Saturday, but head coach Ben Johnson said he's hopeful that Burden will be back soon. The 21-year-old second-rounder suffered an undisclosed soft-tissue injury during the offseason program during the spring and isn't quite ready to join the rest of the team on the field at camp. However, Burden avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list and should be back sooner than later as he competes for the No. 3 receiver role in his first NFL season behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The 39th overall pick has plenty of playmaking abilities but will most likely struggle for consistent targets in Year 1 as long a Moore and Odunze stay healthy. Olamide Zaccheaus figures to be Burden's primary competition.