Buffalo Bills rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman arrives with high expectations after being selected with the team’s top draft pick, a move aimed at addressing the void left by the departures of key receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. While Coleman has shown promise during early practices and will have further opportunities to showcase his skills in upcoming training camps, General Manager Brandon Beane urges caution in placing too much pressure on him right away.
“I see a guy who’s dedicated and competitive. You’ve all seen his personality; he’s genuine, that’s who he truly is,” Beane told reporters following minicamp, as reported by Dov Kleiman on X. “Like any rookie, he’ll face challenges along the way. He and Josh [Allen] are building the connection that’s crucial between quarterback and receiver.”
Beane emphasized the need for patience, acknowledging that Coleman, despite his potential, will experience inevitable learning curves as he adjusts to the NFL. The Bills are focused on nurturing his development and integrating him effectively into the team’s offensive strategy.
Bills Want Keon Coleman Involved in All Phases
As Coleman gets used to life in the NFL, Beane acknowledged the effort he has put in thus far. The general manager of the Bills added that the offense wants him to be more than just a pass-catcher.
Beane remarked, “I think Keon has worked hard.” Like anything else, there is a significant difference between an NFL playbook and a collegiate playbook. The language, the alignment, the visual adjustments, and all the modifications he needs to make. I am not sure what exactly he was asked there, even just what we expect for our men in the run game. There are relatively few schools that do anything more than merely take a play off if it’s not a pass play. That isn’t present here. He must participate in every stage of our offense
The coaching staff has often praised Davis for his blocking, as the Bills have relied heavily on receivers to help to the run game. In 2023, James Cook led the team’s potent rushing offense, recording the first 1,000-yard season for the Bills since LeSean McCoy.
Some Analysts Expect Slow Start for Rookie Receiver
While Brandon Beane seeks to manage expectations for Keon Coleman’s rookie season with the Bills, some analysts caution that it may take time for him to effectively step into the roles vacated by Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. According to Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, there were pre-draft concerns about Coleman’s readiness and the potential risks associated with relying on him as a primary X receiver.
“Coleman is an intriguing prospect, but his profile raised several red flags, especially as a player expected to fill the shoes of Diggs,” Monson observed. “He possesses size, exceptional body control, and good hands—qualities reminiscent of Diggs. However, he lacks Diggs’ refined route-running ability and the knack for creating separation against man coverage.”
Monson’s assessment underscores the challenges Coleman may face in transitioning to the NFL level, suggesting that while he has promising attributes, there may be a learning curve before he can contribute significantly on the field for the Bills. This cautious approach aligns with Beane’s efforts to temper immediate expectations and allow Coleman time to develop into a more polished receiver.