he Buffalo Bills have secured their second-round pick, wide receiver Keon Coleman, by signing him to a four-year rookie contract, the team announced on Wednesday.
Coleman has been actively participating in the Bills’ Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, showcasing his skills and dedication. Now, with his contract officially signed, he is set to embark on his NFL journey. The Bills selected Coleman with the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Buffalo wide receiver since 2014.
During his junior year at Florida State, Coleman made a significant impact by recording 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he contributed on special teams with 300 yards on 25 punt returns. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the first team All-ACC in 2023.
Before his time at Florida State, Coleman spent two seasons at Michigan State, where he hauled in 65 passes for 848 yards and eight touchdowns. Not only did he excel on the football field, but he also played for the Michigan State basketball team in 2022, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 213 pounds, Coleman hails from Opelousas, Louisiana, and will don the No. 0 jersey for the Bills.
With Coleman’s signing, the Buffalo Bills have now completed the process of securing their entire 2024 draft class under contract, marking a significant milestone for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Top 5 things to know about new Bills WR Keon Coleman 2024 NFL Draft
Here are five key insights about the Bills’ latest offensive addition:
1 — A Proven Team Leader
Keon Coleman was a standout player during his time at Florida State, where he led the Seminoles in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2023. He was the only player on the team to surpass three touchdown receptions, ending the season with 11. His impressive performance earned him First-team All-ACC honors not only as a wide receiver but also as an all-purpose player and special teamer. This achievement made him the first Florida State player to win all three first-team awards in the same season.
Prior to his tenure at Florida State, Coleman spent two seasons at Michigan State, where he also led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His leadership and performance have been consistent throughout his college career.
Coleman is expected to compete for a role in the Bills’ wide receiver corps, which includes Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, and Mack Hollins. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 213 pounds, his size makes him a formidable presence on the field, allowing him to make contested catches and outmaneuver defenders. In his debut game with Florida State, Coleman was instrumental in their 42-24 victory over No. 5-ranked LSU, recording nine receptions for 122 yards and three touchdowns.
2 — Basketball Skills on the Gridiron
Coleman’s athleticism extends beyond football. In high school, he was a star basketball player in Louisiana, averaging 26 points per game during his junior year and earning Second-team All-State honors as a senior. He even took his basketball talents to Michigan State, playing under Head Coach Tom Izzo. Although his minutes were limited, Coleman managed to score five points, grab three steals, and pull down one rebound in his brief stint with the Spartans.
These basketball skills have translated well to the football field. Coleman’s ability to track and secure jump balls is reminiscent of boxing out for a rebound. With a 38-inch vertical leap, he successfully caught 22 of 48 contested passes during his college career.
3 — A Dynamic Returner
Coleman’s versatility was evident in his role as a punt returner at Florida State. Averaging 12 yards per return, with a long of 72 yards, he proved difficult to bring down when he had a full head of steam. His size and athleticism made him a formidable opponent on special teams, and he had several electrifying returns in college, nearly scoring on a 72-yard return.
With the Buffalo Bills recently releasing wide receiver and punt returner Deonte Harty, Coleman may have an opportunity to step into the punt returner role at the professional level.
4 — Speed and Athleticism
Although Coleman’s 4.61-second 40-yard dash might not have been the fastest, his on-field speed is more impressive. At the NFL Combine, he reached a top speed of 20.36 miles per hour during the gauntlet drill, making him the fastest receiver over the last two seasons.
According to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, the 40-yard dash is no longer the best measure of a player’s speed. Teams now use GPS tracking and other data to assess a player’s real-time speed in game situations. Coleman’s quick burst at the line of scrimmage and ability to break tackles make him a versatile threat, capable of lining up in the slot or on the outside.
5 — High Praise from Daniel Jeremiah
NFL Network Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has commended Coleman for his route-running ability and physical presence on the field. Jeremiah highlighted Coleman’s skill in using his size to win routes and secure the ball in contested situations.
Jeremiah also noted that Coleman might have the most impressive highlight reel in this draft class, featuring one-handed catches and impressive athletic feats. He believes Coleman has the potential to be a standout in the end zone, with a competitive edge that drives him to fight for extra yards and occasionally hurdle defenders.
Bonus: Family Ties
As a bonus fact, Coleman is the younger cousin of Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver Ceedee Lamb, adding to his football pedigree.
