Buffalo Rumblings
He’s funny, and he’s a character. Now in his second season, it’s time to take over and become the X receiver Buffalo desperately needs.
As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2025 NFL season, everyone’s watching second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman, whose impressive showing at the team’s OTAs has sparked some excitement among Bills Mafia and coaches alike.
Selected as the first pick in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman’s rookie season was a mixed bag featuring flashes of brilliance, injury setbacks, and a learning curve typical of a young player transitioning to the NFL. However, recent developments — including praise from head coach Sean McDermott, a noticeably improved physique, and improved on-field explosiveness — suggest that Coleman is primed for a breakout sophomore campaign.
Add in Mack Hollins’ departure having opened up opportunities, and there are plenty of reasons to believe Coleman will take a significant leap in 2025. Let’s take a look at what may be in store for Coleman this season, and why it should excite you.
Keon Coleman entered the NFL with high expectations after the Bills traded away star receiver Stefon Diggs during the 2024 offseason. As a 6’4”, 215-pound wideout from Florida State, Coleman brought a sought-after combination of size, athleticism, and play-making ability to Buffalo’s offense. His rookie season showed glimpses of elite potential, particularly in the first eight games, where he recorded 21 receptions for 396 yards and three touchdowns — which putting him on pace for a respectable 44 catches, 841 yards, and six scores over a full season.
Coleman’s 19.2 yards per catch average highlighted his ability to “go up and get it,” stretching the field and making big plays. That, as we know, is a critical asset for quarterback Josh Allen, who thrives on buying time and targeting receivers downfield.
However, a wrist injury in Week 9 sidelined Coleman four games, killing any momentum he’d built up. When he was healthy to return, Coleman struggled to regain his early season form, finishing the year with a total of 29 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns.
During an appearance on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, Coleman discussed the challenges of regaining his earlier role in the offense, noting that the Bills found ways to win without him during his absence, which led to a diminished role upon his return. This experience, while humbling, provided valuable lessons about the NFL’s demand for resilience and adaptability — qualities Coleman appears to be embracing as he prepares for his second year.
One of the most encouraging signs for Coleman’s sophomore season is his physical transformation. At OTAs, observers have noted that Coleman appears noticeably bigger, with reports suggesting he added at least 10 pounds of muscle to his already imposing frame.
This added bulk improves his ability to dominate in contested-catch situations and strengthens his ability in the role of “X” receiver,...
