Yesterday’s trade of wideout Diontae Johnson not only represented the end of a very brief relationship, but also the start of what’ll hopefully be a long and successful one for the Carolina Panthers.
The youth movement at receiver is really underway, as Johnson’s departure has opened up even more opportunities for rookies Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. Head coach Dave Canales and his staff will now have a greater focus on evaluating and developing their first-round pick and their prized undrafted free-agent signee.
Let’s start with the latter, who has drawn some comparisons to former Green Bay Packers pass catcher Jordy Nelson. Both have similar sizes and fits as alignment-versatile receivers who tend to succeed as big slots.
One thing that stands out most with Coker is that he doesn’t play like a rookie, but more like a 10-year veteran with an understanding of the fundamentals of his position. As you see below, Coker is running a quick five to seven-yard out. Once he catches the ball, he works up the sideline to get as many yards as possible and pick up the first down.
Some rookies may try to cause defenders to miss in space and make the situation as difficult as possible for themselves—but not Coker, who displays quality situational and spatial awareness.
This might be nothing but I like the effort here from Coker after the catch. I feel like any young receiver would attempt to work into the field rather than up the sideline. pic.twitter.com/MnBET79dmJ
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) October 30, 2024
Here’s another example of Coker’s veteran-like savviness. Although his major strength coming out of Holy Cross, his route-running ability was in question given the lower-level talent he faced in college.
But long story short—Coker is a baller, regardless of the talent level.
While this play was called back for an offensive foul, Coker demonstrated an understanding of his route assignment, landmarks on the deep out and how to attack the catch point. While the safety closes on him quickly, Coker shows quality extension and aggressiveness at the catch point.
This play didn’t count. Yet, it should still stand out.
One, this is an impressive far-hash throw from 9, who places this ball away from the defender and in front of Coker.
Second, great route by Coker and even better hands at the catch point. pic.twitter.com/abdmbQ2szz
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) October 30, 2024
I would argue that in the last four games, Coker has been the most effective rookie on the Panthers roster.
This is not an indictment on Legette, who has flashed plenty. However, there have been mistakes along the way, including drops that have stalled offensive drives into opponent territory.
But Legette’s flashes are encouraging, and this play in garbage time signals that more targets are heading his way—regardless of who is and isn’t traded. After watching the rep over, this looks to be a bench concept with Coker running a corner route and Legette an out.
This is a good route from Legette, with a solid break at the top of the route versus this Cover 3 match call. Legette does an adequate job of adjusting to the throw and working back into the field. He then high-points the ball and makes a great catch with two defenders around him.
:55 left in the game. Garbage time but imo these reps matter.
17 runs a corner. I appreciate the trust and poise from Young here. Gets blasted but is able to throw a ball only Legette could catch. Good placement from 9, great body control and catch from XL.#Panthers pic.twitter.com/Vga6DLATqg
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) October 28, 2024
Moving forward, there will be opportunities to take advantage of his strengths—where he can get into space and create after the catch. His size, explosiveness and ball skills translate very well to the NFL level, and he has shown that to be the case thus far.
The move to send Johnson out of Carolina is a blessing in disguise for the franchise. If fans want to find a silver lining, look at the team’s two young playmakers on the outside. Both Coker and Legette have shown they can be effective in this league with their current skill sets.
As the Panthers look to begin a developmental phase of their season with the youth on their roster, their two rookie receivers will be at the forefront and could provide the team with an exciting glimpse into the future.
