One day after making adjustments to the Buffalo Bills’ positions in the NFL draft, general manager Brandon Beane began the second round on Friday by focusing on the team’s two main needs.
Instead of trading back again, Beane chose Florida State receiver Keon Coleman with the 33rd pick. This decision came after the Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans last month.
At pick No. 60, Beane selected Utah safety Cole-Bishop. This move aimed to address the safety position, especially with Jordan Poyer being cut and Micah Hyde considering retirement.
Beane explained that they didn’t want to take any chances, as their options were limited as the draft progressed. Coleman was one of the receivers they had been eyeing since moving from their original No. 28 pick.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 213 pounds, the 20-year-old Coleman brings both size and strong catching abilities to the Bills’ offense led by Josh Allen. This addition became crucial after the departure of Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and Gabe Davis to free agency.
During his single season at Florida State last year, Coleman was recognized with All-ACC honors. He led the Seminoles with 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns in 12 games.
Coleman also excelled as a return specialist. Before joining Florida State, he spent his initial two college seasons at Michigan State, where he made 65 catches for 848 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
Despite not being known for his speed, Coleman’s greatest strength lies in his ability to use his size and large hands to make challenging catches in tight spots. This skill, honed from his basketball background, is something he believes will work well alongside Allen, who is known for his willingness to throw into tight coverage.
“I’ve admired his game since watching him at Wyoming,” Coleman said of Allen, who played his last two college seasons with the Cowboys. “He’s a great passer. He’s got all the qualities you’d want in a quarterback.”
Coleman remains unfazed by the expectations that come with being the newest addition to a receiver group that includes promising players like Khalil Shakir and free agent acquisitions Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins.
