Keon Coleman: Rising NFL Wide Receiver and the Buffalo Bills’ Draft Story

article image source: sportsnet.ca (Link)

Keon Coleman: Rising NFL Wide Receiver and the Buffalo Bills’ Draft Story

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) enters the field after halftime against the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL wild card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (Gary McCullough/AP)
image source: sportsnet.ca

Key Points:

Keon Coleman was drafted 33rd overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
Bills owner Terry Pegula clarifies that the coaching staff, not GM Brandon Beane, pushed for Coleman’s selection.
Despite early challenges, Coleman shows potential to become a leading wide receiver in the NFL.

Introduction

Keon Coleman, a talented 22-year-old wide receiver, has been at the center of Buffalo Bills discussions since being drafted in 2024. Selected 33rd overall in the second round, Coleman’s journey from college standout to professional athlete has been marked by high expectations, team controversies, and ongoing development. Known for his impressive size at six-foot-four and 215 pounds, he has shown flashes of skill that could help him emerge as a premier NFL receiver.

Early Life and College Career

Coleman began his collegiate football journey at Michigan State before transferring to Florida State. His time in college was decorated with honors, including:

Third-team All-Big Ten in 2022
First-team All-ACC in 2023

These accolades highlighted his ability to make an impact on the field, which contributed to his high draft stock entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

Draft Selection and Buffalo Bills Decision

Keon Coleman’s draft story is unique. According to Bills owner Terry Pegula, it was the coaching staff under head coach Sean McDermott that advocated strongly for drafting Coleman, not general manager Brandon Beane. Pegula explained that Beane supported the recommendation to maintain harmony with the coaching staff, even though Coleman was not his top choice (Sportsnet, Filmogaz).

Pegula emphasized that any criticism of Beane regarding Coleman’s selection is misplaced and highlighted that the coaching staff’s influence was the driving factor behind the pick.

NFL Career and Performance

Since joining the Bills, Coleman’s performance has been a mix of promise and inconsistency. Over his first two seasons, he has registered:

67 receptions
960 yards
8 touchdowns in 26 regular-season games (Sportsnet)

In 2025 alone, Coleman caught 38 passes out of 59 targets, totaling 404 yards and four touchdowns (Filmogaz). Despite these contributions, Coleman has faced scrutiny from fans and analysts for missed opportunities and being a healthy scratch during certain games due to punctuality issues for team meetings.

Team Dynamics and Organizational Changes

The Bills’ wide receiver room has struggled to replace the production lost after Stefon Diggs’ departure following the 2023 season. Coleman's selection was intended to help fill that gap as a potential No. 1 receiver.

The 2025 season also brought significant changes to the team, including the firing of Sean McDermott after nine seasons. Pegula confirmed that superstar quarterback Josh Allen was not informed of McDermott’s dismissal ahead of time, but he will be involved in the process of selecting a new head coach (Sportsnet).

Challenges and Criticism

Coleman’s NFL journey has not been without hurdles. He has been criticized for underperforming relative to his draft position and for certain behavioral issues, such as missing team meetings (Filmogaz). These incidents have fueled discussions about accountability within the organization, though Pegula has defended Beane and clarified that the coaching staff played a central role in the drafting decision.

Future Outlook

At only 22 years old, Keon Coleman’s career is still in its early stages. With the right coaching and consistent playing time, he has the potential to develop into a key contributor for the Buffalo Bills and one of the league’s standout wide receivers. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism makes him a player to watch as the Bills rebuild and aim for future success.

Conclusion

Keon Coleman’s story is a testament to the complexity of professional sports, where talent, opportunity, and organizational decisions intersect. While early criticism has challenged him, Coleman’s potential remains undeniable. As he continues to grow and adapt, his journey offers a compelling example of perseverance and dedication in the NFL, reminding fans that even highly scrutinized players can rise to prominence with hard work and resilience.

Key Points Summary

Drafted 33rd overall by the Bills in 2024
Coaching staff, not GM, advocated for his selection
67 receptions, 960 yards, 8 touchdowns in first two seasons
Striving to become the team’s No. 1 wide receiver
Early career marked by both promise and challenges

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How old is Keon Coleman?
A: Keon Coleman is 22 years old.

Q: Which teams did Coleman play for in college?
A: He played two years at Michigan State before transferring to Florida State.

Q: What are some of Coleman’s college honors?
A: He was named Third-team All-Big Ten in 2022 and First-team All-ACC in 2023.

Q: When was Coleman drafted and by which team?
A: He was drafted 33rd overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Q: How has Coleman performed in the NFL so far?
A: He has recorded 67 receptions, 960 yards, and 8 touchdowns in 26 games over his first two seasons.

Q: Who advocated for Coleman’s draft selection?
A: Bills owner Terry Pegula stated that the coaching staff, not GM Brandon Beane, pushed for Coleman’s selection.

Q: What challenges has Coleman faced in the NFL?
A: He has faced scrutiny for missing meetings and underperforming at times, but he remains a promising young talent.

Sources