Who Should I Start? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Jalen Coker

Wednesday, June 11, 9:43 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (undisclosed) has been working through an undisclosed injury during the offseason but feels ready to push himself. He said it has been an adjustment learning a new offense and is working to carve out a role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It sounds as though the 28-year-old pass-catcher will be ready to roll for training camp this summer. The former undrafted free agent out of Indiana had his best season in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans last year, catching 32 of his 60 targets for 497 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts) in his fifth year in the league. Nobody could really explain Westbrook-Ikhine's outlier season in 2024 in a bad Titans offense after he had 1,276 yards and 10 TDs his first four years. He does have a nose for the end zone and is moving to a better offense, but a repeat of last year is unlikely.

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.