Keon Coleman, the Buffalo Bills’ rookie wide receiver, has garnered recognition both before and after the draft. He initially earned praise from quarterback Josh Allen during the pre-draft evaluations. Now, ESPN has added to his accolades by including him in their list of the ‘best’ 100 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft, compiled by Matt Miller. This list delves beyond mere draft order, assessing each player’s skills, draft position, and the context of their team. Coleman, chosen by the Bills as the 33rd overall pick, secured the 31st spot on Miller’s ranking. Described as an anticipated choice in mock drafts, Coleman’s selection aligns with Buffalo’s and Allen’s preferences due to his size, ability to win contested catches, and knack for gaining yards after receptions. Miller predicts Coleman will aid in filling the void left by Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, offering the Bills a valuable asset on the field.
Before the draft, Matt Miller had assessed Keon Coleman as the ninth-best receiver and the 38th-best prospect overall. In this list, Coleman is the seventh wide receiver mentioned. Miller considers Rome Odunze, Marvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell, Malik Nabers, and Ladd McConkey as superior picks when considering draft position and the team they landed with.
Coleman’s potential excites not only Buffalo fans but football enthusiasts in general due to his fit within the team. With the departure of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis, who accounted for nearly 2,000 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns collectively, the Bills were left without a dominant force in their receiving corps. While Khalil Shakir and recently acquired Curtis Samuel are skilled, they lack the profile of a true primary receiver around whom the passing game can be built, as noted by Miller. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 213 pounds, Coleman possesses the physical attributes of a traditional No. 1 receiver. Although some speculated he might excel as a ‘big slot’ receiver in the NFL, Bills GM Brandon Beane has clarified that Coleman will begin his professional career as an outside receiver. Coleman has proven his effectiveness in this role, demonstrating his ‘alpha’ status by recording 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns while playing for Florida State last season.
While it may not be the exact role tailored for his success, Buffalo, particularly Allen, believe Coleman can thrive in it. Allen expressed his desire to play alongside Coleman even before the draft process began. If Allen is eagerly anticipating Coleman’s performance, it’s a sign for fans to share in that excitement as well.
