Bills Receive Encouraging Update on Young Receiver After Uneven Rookie Campaign
The Buffalo Bills made a major investment in their receiving corps by selecting Keon Coleman with their top pick in last year’s draft, hoping he could help fill the void left by Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. While Coleman showed glimpses of potential, his rookie season was derailed by injuries, leaving team officials somewhat underwhelmed.
However, there’s renewed optimism heading into 2025. NFL.com analyst and former Bills player Bucky Brooks has named Coleman to his “All Breakout Team” for the upcoming season, projecting a significant leap in performance.
Brooks highlighted Coleman’s impressive size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and outstanding ball skills, noting that the second-year wideout could thrive as Josh Allen’s primary target, especially in red zone situations.
Brooks also pointed out that with fellow receiver Khalil Shakir attracting more defensive attention after his own breakout season in 2024, Coleman might benefit from favorable matchups and more opportunities to produce.
“Coleman should see his numbers rise as Allen takes advantage of defenses focusing on Shakir,” Brooks wrote. “With teams trying to neutralize the league’s most dangerous offense, Coleman could emerge as a game-breaking option on the outside.”
Despite finishing his rookie year with 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns across 12 games, Coleman was his own harshest critic. Speaking at minicamp, he described his performance bluntly:
“When I watch the film, I see garbage,” he said. “I’ve got to be better—plain and simple.”
He noted that coaches provided useful feedback, and he’s focused on refining his game during the offseason.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott also weighed in, saying the team had higher hopes for Coleman’s rookie season before his hand injury derailed his momentum.
“He started strong and built some momentum, but the injury made things bumpy from that point on,” McDermott said. “We want to see him use that adversity as fuel and come back with a strong offseason. It’s his time to prove he has the fire and determination we’re looking for.”
The Bills are clearly expecting Coleman to take on a much larger role in 2025—and if Brooks is right, Coleman could be in for a breakout year.
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