Ben Kuchipudi ’25
Sports Editor
As you probably know, two of our Crusaders, wide receiver Jalen Coker and tackle CJ Hanson have been invited to the NFL Combine, where they will be able to showcase their talents in front of a national audience and dozens of NFL scouts. This is the next step for these two before the NFL Draft, and with the draft just two months away, let’s look at some teams that could use these dynamic players.
Jalen Coker, New England Patriots
Let’s start with the team that most Holy Cross students would love to see Coker on: the New England Patriots. Most people who are fans of the Pats or football at all know that New England needs wide receivers, and Coker is exactly what they need at the position. They have a talented rookie in DeMario “Pop” Douglas, but he is only 5 ‘8” and isn’t a red zone threat. JuJu Smith-Schuster is still under contract, but he has an out after next season and I doubt the Patriots bring him back. Other than those two, there isn’t much talent in the wide receiver room and Coker could make an immediate impact as a jump ball threat, which is how he terrorized the Patriot League for four years.
CJ Hanson, New York Giants
This pairing makes too much sense for a couple of reasons. For one, the Giants offensive line is in shambles. No one can stay healthy and those who can, just don’t play well (Evan Neal). Hanson could be a perfect developmental piece, and that development could be accelerated under assistant offensive line coach Chris Smith, who coached Hanson at Holy Cross for four years. Smith knows Hanson better than any staff member in the NFL, so if anyone can unlock his full potential, it’s him. Hanson would be a perfect fit for the Giants and he could develop into a starter sooner than people expect.
Jalen Coker, New York Jets
We’re sticking in the AFC East for Coker, as the New York Jets like the Pats need a fresh face in their wide receiver room. Outside of Garrett Wilson, the Jets didn’t have a starting caliber receiver on their roster, a huge reason for their bottom of the barrel offense last season. Coker most likely wouldn’t immediately get starting snaps, but if he shows out in the preseason, he could get some early burn for Gang Green.
CJ Hanson, Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are finally starting their rebuild, as they’ve committed to Will Levis and they have let go of long time veterans and head coach Mike Vrabel. They aren’t the most exciting landing spot in the league, but CJ Hanson could flourish on a rebuilding team. The Titans have a number of young pieces on their offensive line, and Hanson could definitely be a part of their plan on the line.
Jalen Coker, Kansas City Chiefs
What better place would there be for Coker to start his career than on the back to back champions Kansas City Chiefs? Fans always say Patrick Mahomes needs more help at receiver, so why not take a flier on a player who could be his next red zone threat? There is no better place to develop than under Andy Reid’s system, and Kansas City could be the perfect spot for Coker to unlock his full potential.
COPY EDITED by Sophia Mariani
Featured Image Courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics
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