Who Should I Start? Tyler Lockett or Jalen Coker

Thursday, April 24, 2:57 PM

The Tennessee Titans signed veteran free-agent wide receiver Tyler Lockett to a one-year, $4 million deal on Wednesday. According to Titans insider Paul Kuharsky, the team views him as "primarily a slot who can still threaten downfield and be used on some outside routes." Before this signing, Van Jefferson or Treylon Burks was slated to be Tennessee's No. 2 receiver behind Calvin Ridley following the departure of Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Lockett brings another veteran presence to the wide receiver room, and he'll presumably catch passes from rookie quarterback Cam Ward in 2025. While Lockett's arrival slightly improves Tennessee's pass-catching group, they are likely to continue to address the position on Day 2 or Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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.