Underwhelming Offseason Continues in Bills’ NFL Draft

This is the start of Keon Coleman’s first press conference as a member of the Buffalo Bills.

Covering this man is going to be a real treat. #BillsMafia @WKBW pic.twitter.com/Hpy2TQmMvU

— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) April 27, 2024

Coleman will be relied on to help replace Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis who are both no longer on the roster. That is a tall task for any rookie, much less a second-round pick.

Coleman transferred to Florida State after spending the beginning of his career at Michigan State. The 6-foot-3, 213-pound wideout gives Josh Allen a big target this season.

Coleman used his move to the Seminoles to improve his draft stock. The playmaker posted 50 receptions for 658 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023. Coleman played a key role in Florida State’s undefeated run in the regular season.

New Bills WR Coleman Drawing Comparisons to Drake London

What can fans expect from Coleman in the NFL, aside from his tips on shopping for jackets in the offseason? NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Coleman to Atlanta Falcons wideout Drake London.

Josh Allen had “an affinity for” WR Keon Coleman pic.twitter.com/wT8qdeKYm9

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 29, 2024

“Above-the-rim artist with circus catches resembling a scene from the tents of Cirque du Soleil,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile of the wideout. “Coleman has excellent size and ball skills. He’s not sudden and doesn’t have great speed, so beating press and creating breathing room against tight man coverages will depend on his ability to improve as a route-runner.

“The former star basketball player has a rebounder’s blend of extension and timing to give jump-ball defenders the blues. He’s big and strong with soft hands, but he can play with a little more aggression in claiming his deep-ball space and getting after it as a run blocker.”

Ray Davis Adds RB Depth Behind James Cook

Another offensive player to watch is the Bills’ fourth-round selection, running back Ray Davis. Assuming he makes the roster, fans can expect Davis to help spell starting running back James Cook.

“James Cook will be the starter, but Davis can ascend to RB2 status on the Buffalo depth chart and play a prominent role in 2024,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in his post-draft evaluation. “His urgent decision-making, lateral quickness and ability to catch the football perfectly fit what the Bills want to be on offense.”

Buffalo Rookies Need to Exceed Current Expectations

Draft evaluations weeks after the event are clearly an incomplete process. After an underwhelming offseason, Buffalo did little to inspire more confidence with its draft results.

At first glance, there is nothing that wows you about this draft class. Brugler has Buffalo as his No. 20th-ranked team based on draft results.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper is more bullish on the Bills’ draft, giving the franchise a B grade. The draft legend does wonder if Buffalo will regret trading with Kansas City to allow them to land Xavier Worthy. Otherwise, Kiper pointed to some of the later selections as potential diamonds in the rough.

“I liked several of (GM Brandon) Beane’s other selections. Cole Bishop (60) is a versatile playmaker in the secondary, while running back Ray Davis (128) had seven receiving scores last season, which makes him an interesting player at the next level,” Kiper noted. “DeWayne Carter (95) can get after quarterbacks from his defensive tackle spot, while Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (141) was a three-year starter at Georgia. I could see him challenging veteran Connor McGovern for snaps as a rookie.”

The Las Vegas odds have the Bills’ win total over-under number set at 10 ½. With a lesser supporting cast, Allen could find it difficult to surpass this number.

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