Bryce Young and potential Panthers breakout playmaker are already answering Dave Canales’ call in Week 2 of OTAs
The Carolina Panthers kicked off the second week of organized team activities on Tuesday and the connection between quarterback Bryce Young and wide receiver Jalen Coker was the topic of discussion.
The Carolina Panthers opened OTAs last week with three practice sessions, including one open to media access. It gave us the first look at the left tackle battle, how the new faces are being integrated with the rest of the team, and a promising return to the field from running back Jonathon Brooks.
Going into the second week of OTAs, Panthers head coach Dave Canales did issue one thing he’d like to see after being asked about one of the team’s potential breakout players in wide receiver Jalen Coker.
“He looks great. He looks fit. He’s attacking the ball just like we know he can,” Panthers head coach Dave Canales said of Coker last week. “The big thing for him is for he and Bryce to really just continue to take steps in terms of chemistry. . .
“Jalen, over the last couple of years, has had pockets of time where he’s had to deal with things from a physical standpoint. The more we can just have them on the field – the anticipation that happens, knowing what he’s doing at the top of his route, knowing where Bryce expects him to be – that’s my big hope for Jalen and for Bryce is continuing to build off of that chemistry.”
Bryce Young – Jalen Coker connection stood out during Carolina Panthers OTA practice on Tuesday
After hearing those remarks from their head coach last week, the Bryce Young to Jalen Coker connection wasted no time building more on-field chemistry during Tuesday’s practice session.
During 11-on-11 drills, Young connected with Coker on two different plays, including a fantastic throw by Young up the seam that resulted in a touchdown for Coker with cornerback Jaycee Horn in coverage. Later in team drills, Horn got his revenge breaking up on another pass Young aired out for Coker.
Coker started to break out toward the end of the 2025 season coming back from an injury and capped the year off with a strong showing in the NFC’s Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a 134-yard performance that included a touchdown.
Going into the offseason, that stretch proved to Canales that the former undrafted free agent has the ability to be a standout player for this offense and push for the WR2 role alongside 2025 OROTY Tetairoa McMillan.
Ultimately, it’s about staying healthy and continuing to build that trust with the entire. Coker has missed six games in each of his first two seasons with the Panthers. If he can prove to stay on the field and continue building this connection with Young, he’ll be in for a big third season in Carolina.