CHARLOTTE — Most of the time, this is a play of the day, highlighting one moment that stood out in a crowded practice. But today, following the Carolina Panthers' joint practice with the Cleveland Browns, it's about the player of the day.

And that is Jalen Coker.

While Tetairoa McMillan may have received a few more targets, it was Coker who was coming down with catch after catch in 7-on-7 and team drills, making at least one catch in every period.

It began with a long throw from Bryce Young in 7-on-7, which Coker pulled in over the shoulder. Andy Dalton jogged out for his snaps next and immediately targeted Coker as well, hitting the second-year receiver in the flat, lofting a pass over two defenders for a throw that Coker took for a touchdown.

The next series, a pass was broken up from Young, but Coker was right back to it with Dalton the following possession. He capped it off with another big catch down the sideline on a scramble drill from Young in the final team period.

"I think Jalen has taken full advantage of the five weeks that we had off since the spring," coach Dave Canales bragged of Coker following Wednesday's practice.

"In OTAs, he kind of just was ramping up, kind of getting a plan for his readiness, and he came back a different athlete. I have to say, of all the guys, Jalen really did a great job of just working on his transition, his speed, his body comp, his readiness for practice, and all that, and I think he's just taking steps."

Coker was one of the better stories on an offense that struggled last season, coming in as an undrafted rookie before being promoted to the active roster ahead of Week 4 last season. It was a big jump for the Holy Cross product, and while he finished the season with an impressive 32 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns, there was still a lot of growth to take on for Coker.

"He was a rookie last year, kind of thrown into the fire, and this year, now he's got a plan, he's got a routine," said Canales. "We talked to the guys about the routines and people ask who are the players that you've seen have success over time; it's the ones, the young players that have had that have been able to help. They just kind of watch a veteran player and they just follow their preparation when they study, when they take care of their body, how they recover their legs and all those things and Jalen, he shows up like this, you know, and you're playing against other pros and he's got game experience, so this isn't too big for Jalen."

The Panthers have an embarrassment of riches at receiver this year, with a crowded room that is going to be hard to whittle down come roster cut time. Canales has repeatedly preached that the final spots will be determined by how much a guy can contribute on special teams. Coker played on a mere 31 special teams snaps last season, 10 percent of the total. He has worked his way into more of those personnel groupings this offseason, though, and it's paying off, even drawing a flag on kickoff return, after a Browns blocker dragged him to the ground.

"I'm also excited about his impact on special teams," Canales said. "He's done a great job this camp also, covering kicks and also as a blocker."

"It's huge and I think it tells us a lot about the football player, you know, and their ability to adjust on the fly, special teams, like you think you have this guy and all of a sudden there's a twist and it's really reacting on your feet and eyes and kind of knowing at the end of the day, I got to get my hands on somebody on this play.

"And if you're covering the kick, you know, you have your primary responsibility, then go make a play, you know, so those guys will show up the more we have live reps like we did today and the more we have these preseason opportunities where the speed of the game, everything goes up who are the guys that can execute, get off of blocks or maintain it?"