Panthers UDFA With Best Chance To Make Roster: Jalen Coker

The Carolina Panthers have one of the largest, most impressive classes of undrafted free agents this year. After selecting seven players during the 2024 NFL Draft, general manager Dan Morgan agreed to terms with 17 more. Former Holy Cross wide receiver Jalen Coker is one of the UDFAs with a terrific chance to compete for a 53-man roster spot.

The Panthers entered the draft needing to acquire multiple receivers. It explains why they made Coker one of the highest-paid undrafted players. They signed Coker to a deal that contained a $25,000 signing bonus with $225,000 in salary guarantees, according to ESPN. It’s more money than some late-round draft picks make. It signals how badly Morgan wanted to add Coker to his roster and it should improve his chances of making the team.

Coker was a big-time performer at Holy Cross. He leaves college football with all-time program-highs in receiving yards (2,715) and touchdowns (31). Coker showcased consistent improvement while gradually growing into their go-to playmaker. The Sterling, Virginia native posted more receiving yards every year he was there, culminating in his first 1,000-yard season to go along with a single-season program-record 15 touchdowns in 2023.

The 6-foot-3, 208-pound Coker also enjoyed a terrific NFL Combine. He had a position-best 42.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-8 broad. Coker's 4.57 40 left something to be desired, but it's an adequate result given his size and stature, especially when paired with his lower-body explosion. 

Morgan needed to identify more pass-catching weapons for sophomore quarterback Bryce Young this offseason. Young struggled mightily as a rookie as the Panthers finished 32nd in passing with 161.2 yards per game. The aging Adam Thielen was the preferred receiver. Thielen still has a role to play in 2024, but the Panthers needed the infusion of youth in their wide receiver room, which Coker will help provide. Improving the aerial attack is the top priority for new head coach Dave Canales.

There is competition for spots in a new-look offense. The Panthers acquired 2021 Pro Bowl wideout Diontae Johnson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. Johnson will serve as the No. 1 receiver in 2024. Morgan also traded up to draft Xavier Legette at No. 32 overall.

Last year’s second-round pick Jonathan Mingo is tasked with taking a step forward after a disappointing rookie season, but he’s still assured a roster spot. Things get interesting from there. I don’t imagine that 2021 second-rounder Terrace Marshall Jr. is guaranteed to be on the team after stringing together three consecutive disappointing seasons. Coker could be competing for the fifth or sixth wide receiver position with Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Special teams often provide the quickest pathway for a UDFA to get on the field. Coker was fielding punt returns alongside Smith-Marsette at OTA practices earlier this week, according to reports. Securing a role on special teams would improve Coker's chances.

The Panthers have other undrafted free agents that are well-positioned to compete this summer. I wanted to highlight center Andrew Raym and cornerback Willie Drew, who I possessed draftable grades on. Raym received $240,000 in guarantees per Spotrac.

The Panthers aggressively pursued Coker's signature in undrafted free agency. He possesses a direct path to the 53-man roster so long as he proves versatile and capable of acclimating to professional football. The onus is on Coker to take advantage of his opportunity.