Despite being an undrafted free agent and a rookie fourth-round selection, respectively, both Jalen Coker and Ja’Tavion Sanders have consistently evolved in the Carolina Panthers’ offense as 2024 has progressed.
Coker, a former standout at Holy Cross (FCS), has provided a spark on the outside despite minimal expectations heading into the fall. A blend of size, speed, and veteran route-running at 6-foot-3, Coker’s body mass and nuance in space have allowed him to work into substantial snaps and make a substantial production in year one. He’s also excellent in 50-50 situations, and considering Carolina’s instability at quarterback, it’s shown up almost weekly.
An athlete who battles for every yard, frequently turning short catches into chunk plays, Coker does the little things well on the outside. As an undrafted free agent, Coker had to prove himself. It’s not often you see a player added post-draft make the roster, let alone as an impact contributor on an offense. Yet, Coker’s work ethic, attention to detail, and evolving skill set have translated to snaps where he’s grown into a consistent option, providing some relief to a passing attack that has lacked rhythm and consistency. And with Jonathan Mingo now out of the picture, the horizon looks intriguing for a youth-infused ballplayer Carolina struck gold with post-draft.
At tight end, while Sanders’ slow start to the year was understandable considering the lack of success under center, his last month of the campaign has showcased why he was talked about so highly in the draft process this time last year.
A former standout for the Texas Longhorns, Sanders entered the league with lofty expectations as a versatile and athletic move piece with a rare ability to stretch the field. At 6-foot-4 and more than 250 pounds, Sanders can outrun linebackers and overpower smaller safeties. Where Sanders has also popped has been the ground game, where his ability to stick his face in the mud has showcased a player who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work that fails to show up on a box score. It’s the stuff that helps win football games, and for Carolina's sake, something that fans hope begins to occur in the coming seasons.
Both Coker and Sanders have risen to the challenge even as Carolina’s revolving door under center has limited the offense’s overall effectiveness. Both players have produced, and their progress suggests they have the potential to serve substantial roles as the roster continues to build around them. For Carolina, the emergence of both playmakers provides a gleaming shimmer of hope. As both first-year players continue to strap up and succeed under challenging conditions, the Panthers have found themselves a few valuable young pieces to build around as they look to establish their identity on offense moving forward.
