Who Should I Start? Troy Franklin or Jalen Coker

Friday, August 1, 10:52 PM

According to Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, wide receiver Troy Franklin is "having a good camp." The 22-year-old had a quiet rookie season. However, he at least displayed some signs of promise by catching 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos have plenty of capable receivers, specifically Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and tight end Evan Engram. Still, there's room for Franklin to get more snaps throughout the 2025 campaign, especially if he continues to impress heading into Week 1. He already has a rapport with quarterback Bo Nix dating back to their collegiate days at Oregon, but it still may be tough for him to be involved consistently. As a result, Franklin's redraft value is limited, although his ceiling should rise if there is an injury to a member of the receiving corps during the season.

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.