Jalen Coker

Coker is one of the more interesting statistical anomalies in fantasy. He's finished WR83 and WR86 overall in back-to-back seasons while playing only 10 games each year, yet his underlying metrics are elite. His ESPN CATCH score is 99th percentile—second-best in the 110-receiver sample—and his PFF contested catch rate (98th percentile) confirms ESPN's numbers. He hasn't dropped a pass in two NFL seasons (94th-percentile drop rate). The 74th-percentile ESPN OPEN score is confirmed by the 70th-percentile route grade. He's primarily a slot receiver (86th-percentile slot rate) and his profile doesn't show much YAC creation (25th percentile) which is reflected in his mediocre 49th-percentile YPRR. The problem is the environment in Carolina. With Tetairoa McMillan established as the WR1 and Bryce Young still developing, the Panthers' WR depth chart doesn't naturally point to a Coker breakout, though it’s possible that Young can support two fantasy starters at receiver. He's going as the WR55, which is about right for a talented receiver whose production has been capped by health and opportunity. The metrics are good enough to justify the late-round dart throw, but the situation isn't good enough to get too excited.