Who Should I Start? Kayshon Boutte or Jalen Coker

Monday, August 4, 10:47 PM

New England Patriots third-year wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has continued to impress during training camp, according to Taylor Kyles of Patriots CLNS. Boutte has reportedly been "the most consistent player" in the receiver group this summer and has been dominant in 1-on-1s. The former LSU wideout led all New England receivers in routes run last season, but his situation will be different in 2025 with the team adding veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, along with drafting Kyle Williams in the third round. The 2023 sixth-round pick didn't take full advantage of his opportunity and had poor efficiency with a 1.3 yards per route run, but he is turning heads this summer and hopes to secure a role as an outside receiver in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system.

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.