Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman showcased his charismatic off-field persona during his debut press conference, sprinkling it with humorous moments. However, what truly solidified his appeal to the team might have been Bills’ star quarterback Josh Allen’s admiration for his on-field skills. Coleman disclosed that Allen reached out to him on draft day, expressing his desire to have him on the team.

“During the draft, he texted me saying, ‘You’re the one I’m rooting for. I’ve watched a lot of receivers, and I really want to team up with you,'” Coleman shared. “And I feel the same way. I’m eager to play alongside the guy wearing number 17. He’s an outstanding quarterback, one of the top talents in the league right now, and I’m thrilled at the prospect of catching passes from him. I’m prepared for that.”

Allen’s admiration for Coleman is understandable given the latter’s physical attributes standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 216 pounds, making him a promising target in the red zone. With Stefon Diggs moving to Houston, Allen was in need of a dynamic replacement, and Coleman seems poised to fill that role.

Coleman’s past performances at Florida State, where he showcased his knack for finding the end zone, earning him accolades such as first-team All-ACC honors and third-team All-Big Ten status in different seasons, highlight his potential as a scoring threat. However, as noted by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, Coleman still has areas to refine, particularly in his route-running.

Zierlein points out that Coleman’s strengths lie in his size and ability to high-point the ball, traits often associated with taller receivers. However, his lack of suddenness and elite speed may present challenges in beating press coverage and creating separation against tight man-to-man defenses. This is a common developmental area for taller receivers and can be improved with practice and experience.

Despite these critiques, Zierlein acknowledges Coleman’s potential as a red-zone threat and suggests that he could excel as a big slot receiver, specializing in jump-ball situations. While Coleman may not possess the versatility to match Diggs’ all-around game, he could carve out a role similar to that of Plaxico Burress, providing a reliable target for contested catches.

It’s important to recognize that developing as a wide receiver in the NFL is a process that takes time. Transitioning from college to the professional level involves adjusting to more complex defenses and refining technical aspects of the game. With dedication and experience, Coleman has the opportunity to grow into a significant contributor for the Buffalo Bills, albeit with a focus on his specialized skill set as he continues to develop.