The Buffalo Bills sought to boost their wide receiver corps by selecting Keon Coleman with their top pick last year, aiming for him to help fill the void left by the departures of Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
Although Coleman had moments of impressive play, injuries during the second half of the season limited his impact, leaving some in the front office feeling underwhelmed. However, there’s reason for optimism heading into the new season, as one publication has identified Coleman as a potential breakout star for 2025.
Keon Coleman Could Make ‘Major Leap’
NFL.com writer and former Buffalo Bills player Bucky Brooks offered a promising projection for Keon Coleman, naming him to the “All Breakout Team” for the 2025 season. Brooks emphasized that Coleman has the physical attributes needed to take on a larger role in Buffalo’s offense.
“Josh Allen’s handpicked WR1 looks poised to make a major leap in his second season,” Brooks wrote, highlighting Coleman’s impressive size (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and exceptional ball-tracking ability—traits that could make him a dangerous red-zone weapon.
Brooks also pointed out that Coleman might benefit from the emergence of fellow wideout Khalil Shakir, whose breakout performance in 2024 could draw more defensive attention. This, in turn, could open up more opportunities for Coleman.
“The sophomore should also see his numbers explode with Allen throwing the ball his way to exploit the coverage tilted in Khalil Shakir’s direction,” Brooks wrote. “As defenses try to contain the reigning MVP and the league’s most explosive offense with schemes aimed at eliminating the deep threat, Coleman could become the X-factor along the perimeter.”
Keon Coleman Not Happy With His Rookie Season
Keon Coleman finished the 2024 season as one of the Buffalo Bills’ top receivers, recording 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns, despite being sidelined for five games due to a hand injury. However, Coleman was far from satisfied with his performance. During the team’s minicamp, he was candid about his self-assessment.
“You want to know what I see when I watch the tape? I see garbage,” Coleman admitted. “I have to be better—plain and simple.”
He also shared that his coaches have provided valuable guidance on how to more effectively challenge defenses, and he’s been dedicating significant time this offseason to improving his game.
That work ethic is surely encouraging for head coach Sean McDermott, who previously expressed disappointment with how Coleman’s season ended.
“I thought he had a strong start and was building momentum, but after the injury, things got a bit shaky,” McDermott said.
The coach emphasized the importance of growth through adversity and called on Coleman to respond with a strong offseason.
“We want to see him take those tough moments and learn from them. He needs to come back with intensity, have a great offseason, and be ready to go for year two,” McDermott added. “That kind of bounce-back requires grit, determination, and heart—and now it’s up to Keon to show he has all of that.”