During the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the 33rd pick. Buffalo traded out of their first-round pick twice, sending pick 28 to the Kansas City Chiefs for pick 32. The Bills would then send the 32nd pick to the Carolina Panthers for the first selection in Round 2.
Buffalo Drafted Keon Coleman In 2024
Coleman appeared in 13 games last season, recording 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns. The 22-year-old receiver suffered a wrist/hand injury in the middle of the season, keeping him out of four games.
Even though Coleman didn’t suit up for four weeks, he still made a positive impact on the team. He showed signs that he could be a No. 1 receiver, but now this year, the former Florida State star needs to put it together.
The second season for any player is critical since teams have a year of knowing a player’s strengths and weaknesses. It’s up to Coleman to adjust what NFL defenses throw at him this season.
If Coleman can take a leap in his second year, then the Bills could be the team to beat in the AFC. When Buffalo traded away wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans last offseason, they were counting on whatever receiver they drafted early to help fill his production.
Coleman Named Bills Breakout Star For 2025
There is a good chance Coleman turns into a playmaker like Diggs was, and according to David Benjamin De Cristofaro from Bills Wire, Coleman is going to “breakout” this season.
“Coleman started out his rookie year showing frequent flashes of big-play potential in limited action, then struggled coming back from an injury down the stretch,” De Cristofaro wrote. “Like Kincaid, he’s put in work this offseason in strength, conditioning, and development, and could come along as a more frequent contributor to the passing game. Similarly, he is also poised to benefit from the open looks and mismatches he might see as a result of playing with route runners like Joshua Palmer. Not to mention a deeper pool of rotation talent and depth at the receiver group to help keep everyone fresh. Last year, Coleman averaged 7.7 yards after the catch, with 21 of his 29 catches going for first downs. If he can improve his drop rate, he’ll more likely than not see an increased workload and opportunities to apply that big-play potential toward a breakout season.”
Last year, Bills receiver Khalil Shakir broke out in his third season. The former Boise State star was so good that he was rewarded with a $53 million contract extension this offseason.
If Coleman can follow in Shakir’s footsteps, then during the 2027 offseason Coleman will be able to cash in on a huge pay like his teammate.
Shakir and Coleman are expected to be the No. 1 and No. 2 receivers for Josh Allen this season, and the offense should be running through them for most of the year.
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