Tag: Keon Coleman

2024 NFL draft: Grading Bills draft pick of Keon Coleman

2024 NFL draft: Grading #Bills draft pick of Keon Coleman:

Buffalo kicked off day two of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick.

Coleman fills a need for the Buffalo. The Bills are in need of a boundary receiver after the losses of Gabriel Davis and Stefon Diggs.

Coleman is a prototypical X-receiver. At 6-3, Coleman often has the upper hand in battling contested catch passes. He has great body control in the air, and Coleman uses his size well to position himself with high passes.

The wideout played at Michigan State before transferring to Tallahassee for the 2023 season. Coleman was a two-sport athlete for the Spartans, spending some time with the Michigan State basketball team while playing under coach Tom Izzo. Coleman’s basketball abilities are clearly on display on contested catch air balls.

In 2022, Coleman led the Spartans in receiving with 58 catches, 798 receiving yards, and seven touchdown receptions. After his transfer to Florida State for the 2023 campaign, Coleman led the Seminoles with 50 receptions, 658 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns.

Coleman’s speed is average for the NFL level. He ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He still needs a little refinement in his route running. Depending on how fast this part of his game develops, Coleman could be relied upon for big plays and major playing time early in the season.

There’s also a bit of a concern about the pick since there appeared to be other receivers on the board who were faster and had a more refined game at this point in their careers.

Buffalo needs to select another receiver with a bit more speed to complement Coleman. If they do the duo could be quite electric.

Grade: B

Former Michigan State football WR Keon Coleman drafted by the Buffalo Bills

Former Michigan State football WR Keon Coleman drafted by the Buffalo Bills

If you are like me, you kept rooting for Keon Coleman even after he left Michigan State football to spend a season with Florida State. Kind of like how Keon kept supporting Michigan State basketball after leaving MSU.

So, for those of you like me who kept an eye on Keon’s career and wished him the best, Friday was a good day, as Keon Coleman was drafted in the second round, pick No. 33 overall, by the Buffalo Bills.

Should be a great landing spot for Coleman.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.

WATCH: Bills’ new WR Keon Coleman can jump over dudes

Josh Allen approved:

Josh Allen likes to jump over defenders.

So does Keon Coleman.

The Buffalo Bills made Coleman their top draft pick at the 2024 NFL draft. After two trades back, he comes to Buffalo via the No. 33 overall selection.

Coleman has plenty of highlights worth watching. This one Allen will very much relate to.

Coleman has been known to use his 6-foot-4 size to go all the way up and over defensive backs in college. That’s some athleticism.

Check out Coleman doing just that in the clip below:

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Bills select FSU WR Keon Coleman with the No. 33 pick in the 2024 NFL draft

The Bills get a great receiver for Josh Allen in the second round.

The Buffalo Bills didn’t make a pick on Thursday night in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, Buffalo chose to trade out of the round to the No. 33 overall pick and still land their guy in former Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman.

Coleman is built like a big running back and plays like one. He’s excellent at contested catches and wins at the 50/50 balls. This lines up well in a Bills offense that plays many of their games in bad weather.

The Bills offense runs through quarterback Josh Allen and tight end Dalton Kincaid so adding Coleman can further extend the offense even if he doesn’t have the same sort of game former Bill Stefon Diggs had.

Buffalo had their pick of receivers with the first pick of the second round and it would tough for them to get this pick wrong. We could see a run on receivers in the second round.

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Bills NFL Draft grade: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State 33rd overall

The Bills selected Florida State wideout Keon Coleman with the No. 33 pick

The Buffalo Bills spent last night maneuvering down the boards and allowing receivers to pass them by, but with the first pick of the second day of the draft they finally land their guy in Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman.

Coleman projects as an immediate starter in a Buffalo receiver room that lacks any true perimeter threat and should be immediately trusted to be the jump ball weapon for the Bills offense.

Possessing excellent size, incredible contested-catch skills, underrated yards-after-catch ability, and a solid route tree. Expect Coleman to be one of the top touchdown catchers for a Bills team that is desperate for a difference-maker out wide.

Grade: A

Best remaining prospects for Detroit’s second-round pick

Best remaining prospects for Detroit’s second-round pick at No. 61 overall

The Detroit Lions are currently sitting at pick 61, near the end of the second round. They currently do not have a third round pick after trading it last night to move up and take Terrion Arnold.

This puts them in a tough situation for the second day of the draft. While there are still plenty of talented players available at the moment, many will not be there by the time the Lions are on the clock.

With that said, there are some prospects who the Lions could still target with pick 61.

OL Zach Frazier, West Virginia

Sep 17, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers offensive lineman Zach Frazier (54) during the first quarter against the Towson Tigers at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Dubbed a “Dan Campbell guy” by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, Zach Frazier should be at the top of Detroit’s list heading into day two.

With a wrestling background and above-average athleticism, Frazier would be a perfect fit for what the Lions are building on offense. While his services wouldn’t be needed immediately, he would provide quality depth in 2024 while being able to learn from veteran guards Kevin Zeitler and Graham Glasgow.

If Frazier is not there by the time the Lions pick, players like Cooper Beebe or Christian Haynes could also be quality options for Detroit.

WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) catches a ball in the endzone to score a touchdown against the North Alabama Lions during the third quarter at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

While he isn’t the speedster that most people want in a wide receiver, Coleman very much is the missing piece in Detroit’s offense.

Detroit has Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown penned as their top pass-catchers, and Coleman would be the perfect compliment to them. He’s a bigger framed player who makes up for his lack of speed with his physicality and ability to out-muscle opposing defenders.

At the end of the day, the Lions could always benefit from getting another weapon for Jared Goff. Receivers such as Adonai Mitchell, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Roman Wilson are also options at 61.

EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan

Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Western Michigan defensive lineman Marshawn Kneeland (DL41) works out during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no such thing as having too many talented edge defenders. While it may not seem like a glaring need, Detroit would greatly benefit from having more defensive ends that they can rotate in as needed.

Kneeland could be that guy for the Lions. Paired with the likes of Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, James Houston, John Cominsky, and Josh Paschal, Kneeland would be one more athletic option to aid in the pass rush.

He also has versatility going for him. With his frame, he would be able to slide inside and play some three-technique or be on the outside and blitz from a stand-up linebacker position.

If Kneeland is unavailable, other options at the edge include Alabama’s Chris Braswell or Washington’s Braden Trice.

NFL draft analyst has the ideal selections for the Saints in first two rounds

Who are the ideal selections for the Saints in the first two rounds? NFL draft analyst answer that question at two critical positions.

As the NFL draft inches closer, you’ll be flooded with mock drafts every other day. These are interesting ways to predict how the draft may play out and who will be on the board when the New Orleans Saints pick at 14 and their subsequent picks.

NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter put a spin on the typical mock drafts we’ll see flying around over the next week. Reuter laid out the ideal player for each team with their first two picks. He didn’t pick a player twice and attempted to keep it realistic to what range a player may be picked. The New Orleans Saints’ first two selections are at Nos. 14 and 45, and here’s who Reuter says they should choose:

Round 1: No. 14 overall: Olumuyiwa Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Round 2: No. 45 overall: Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State

Former first-round pick Trevor Penning struggled at left tackle, and veteran right tackle Ryan Ramczyk is dealing with a chronic knee issue, so the Saints will be looking for offensive line help early in the draft. Fashanu possesses the size (6-6, 312 pounds) and length (34-inch arms) to excel in the NFL if he can continue to grow as a player. He would seemingly be a great answer at left tackle if Penning is moved to left guard or right tackle. The Saints could also use another outside threat to pair with Chris Olave now that veteran Michael Thomas has been released. Coleman’s long speed is only average (4.61 40 at 230 pounds), but he has some open-field quickness for his size. 

It’s difficult to argue the positions. You may prefer a different player, but wide receiver and offensive tackle are two of the Saints’ bigger needs entering the draft. Drafting Fashanu brings the question of what do you do with Trevor Penning? However, draft a guy you know can be a cornerstone at left tackle and decide from there. Reuter does leave room for the new staff to salvage Penning, which would shift focus to right tackle.

Keon Coleman specifically fits the build of wide receiver to replace Michael Thomas in New Orleans. Coleman’s frame would be beneficial as a target across the middle. As stated, his 40 yard dash time wasn’t great but his speed through position drills at the NFL Scouting Combine quelled many concerns. These could be the ideal picks for the Saints in each of the first two rounds, but they may be realistic, too. We’ll find out in just one more week.

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Patriots go heavy on offense in ESPN’s latest three-round mock draft

The Patriots came away with three offensive players in ESPN’s latest three-round mock draft

Multiple players have been mocked to the New England Patriots over the last few weeks in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 NFL draft.

ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. put a three-round mock draft together, with Kiper taking New England’s third overall pick and Yates taking the second (No. 34) and third-round (No. 68) picks for the organization.

Quarterback has been a position of focus for the Patriots throughout the pre-draft process. Wide receiver has been an area identified as a need as well.

Kiper has New England selecting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall, while Yates has the team taking Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman 34th overall and UNC wide receiver Devontez Walker at No. 68.

The Patriots have been connected with both Maye and Walker, as they attended their pro day.

Kiper made his case for Maye with the organization’s first draft selection:

I don’t see the Patriots trading back, even if they have needs at several other positions. Taking Maye secures their future at the NFL’s most important position.

Yates took the offensive approach to the draft and gave his reasoning for taking two wide receivers with back-to-back picks:

Yes, I already gave Keon Coleman to the Patriots in Round 2. But I’m double-dipping at wide receiver — and setting up Drake Maye with a familiar target in Walker, whose length and speed would help open up this offense.

New England needs top-tier talent at both the quarterback and wide receiver positions. Double-dipping at receiver makes sense, especially if Maye’s college teammate is still on the board. Surrounding the franchise quarterback with playmakers is extremely important, and it isn’t something the team did under the previous regime.

These selections would immediately ignite the offense, as the Patriots need to catch up with the rest of the AFC. Time will tell what they do, but this would certainly be a good starting point.

Mel Kiper has Patriots getting QB and WR in two-round mock draft

Mel Kiper Jr. has the Patriots taking a quarterback and a receiver in back-to-back picks in his latest two-round mock draft

With the 2024 NFL draft nearly two weeks away, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. predicted the first two picks for the New England Patriots in his latest two-round mock draft.

Kiper has the organization selecting North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick, and in Round 2, he has the team drafting Keon Coleman, the playmaking wide receiver from Florida State. These two selections would complement each other well, and it would immediately give Maye talent at the wide receiver position to work with.

New England has needed a playmaking wide receiver for quite some time, and Coleman would certainly fit the bill there. He tallied 115 catches for 1,506 yards and 19 touchdowns in a collegiate career that saw him play for both Michigan State and the Seminoles.

Coleman is coming off a 2023 season that saw him record 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. His explosiveness was on display, as he averaged 13.2 yards per reception.

Kiper offered his evaluations on the Maye pick first:

I made the case for the Patriots trading down in my Mock Draft 3.0, but if this is the way the board shakes out, I think they’re more likely to take Maye and secure their franchise quarterback. Of course, they thought they were doing that in 2021, when they drafted Mac Jones in Round 1, and Jones is now the backup in Jacksonville. Evaluating quarterbacks is hard, but I have a top-10 grade on Maye, who is an elite deep-ball thrower.

Kiper then shifted his focus onto Coleman with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round:

New England’s depth chart at receiver needs to be beefed up if quarterback Drake Maye — whom I projected to the Patriots at No. 3 — is going to succeed. The Pats ranked 29th in receiving yards by receivers (1,909) last season. Coleman doesn’t have great speed, but he can win contested catches with his 6-foot-3 frame. He had 11 touchdown catches last season, five of which came on fade routes.

The quarterback-wide receiver combo is something that New England needs in order to succeed. Both positions have struggled for the Patriots over the last couple of seasons, and Maye and Coleman would be two players capable of bringing an immediate spark.

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State

Coleman is an exciting prospect whose best days are ahead of him.

Florida State junior receiver Keon Coleman declared for the 2024 NFL Draft as an electric playmaker who may catch the eye of at least one franchise as early as Round 2. If not for speed concerns, the former Michigan State Spartan transfer would be a first-round selection.

Coleman played six basketball games for MSU and 10 football contests in 2021 before devoting himself full time to the latter the next season. He caught on quickly, producing personal bests in receptions and yardage as a sophomore.

Height: 6-foot-3 1/4
Weight: 213 pounds
40 time: 4.61 seconds

A transfer to the Seminoles didn’t affect his ascending trajectory. Even though Coleman’s catch count and yardage dipped slightly, he scored four more touchdowns than the prior year. Coleman was named First-Team All-ACC for wide receiver, all-purpose, and specialist, becoming only the second player ever to accomplish such a feat.

Table: WR Keon Coleman, Florida State (2021-23)

Year School Class Gm Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds TD
*2021 Mich State Fr 10 7 50 7.1 1 0 0 0
2022 Mich State So 12 58 798 13.8 7 0 0 0
*2023 Florida State Jr 12 50 658 13.2 11 1 2 0
Total 34 115 1,506 13.1 19 1 2 0

*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)
C19: player gained extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19 pandemic

Pros

  • Excellent size and leaping ability for contested catches — top-78th percentile or better for WR vertical jump, height, and weight among all-time combine participants
  • Well-built musculature allows him to box out in coverage, withstand big hits, and power through smaller defenders
  • Makes some spectacular grabs, especially in traffic, with multiple one-handed snags on tape
  • Fluid movement traits and is able to make defenders miss in tight spaces
  • Competitive spirit and fights for yardage
  • Has physical tools to be become more than an effort blocker
  • 2023 punt returner experience, albeit with modest results — likely won’t be any team’s first choice to return kicks but has shown he can generate yardage

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Cons

  • Lacks straight-line speed to burn past most corners and often gets caught from behind — look at three potential punt return TDs that saw him either get chased down or cut off
  • Probably will be limited to an outside role with angular and vertical routes — noticeably struggles in “gearing down” situations
  • Despite making some special catches and typically being strong in contested situations, more consistency would be a huge boost to his long-term success
  • Start-stop can be sluggish, and longer corners can give him issues in press-man
  • Tends to be a “get in the way” type of blocker

Fantasy football outlook

Coleman profiles as a No. 2 at the next level, despite having similar skills to NFL standouts DeAndre Hopkins and Anquan Boldin. Lofty comparisons, indeed, so it will be impressive if he ever materializes to that extent.

He’s a cousin of Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, don’t be shocked if Jerry Jones makes a play for Coleman. For as good a storyline that would be, Coleman’s unique skills make him a viable candidate for just about any team in need of a high-upside wideout with a knack for making chunk plays.

Regardless of where Coleman lands, expect a limited role as a rookie before he develops into a consistently useful fantasy commodity over the first three years.