Here’s why Bills GM Brandon Beane was happy Keon Coleman disappointed in the 40-yard dash

At the NFL Scouting Combine, one of the events that gets the most attention is the 40-yard dash. It’s an easy sell and, overall, it’s easy to determine what constitutes good or bad performance.

Compared to expectations, Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman’s performance in the 40 was disappointing, as he only managed a time of 4.61 seconds. One person who was happy about it, however, was the one who ultimately selected him in the NFL draft: Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane.

Speaking to assistant general manager Brian Gaine and director of player personnel Terrance Gray after Coleman’s run, Beane said, “I’m glad he led this. It’ll help to have him.”

And they got it. The Bills ended up moving back several times, moving from No. 28 to No. 32 in a trade with the rival Kansas City Chiefs, then moving back to No. 33 in a deal with the Carolina Panthers. With the first pick of Day 2, they chose Coleman.

Despite the time of 40, Beane is convinced the wideout has plenty of speed.

“He’s a guy that has game speed, he’s got short-area quickness for a big guy,” Beane said. “We all know some guys can run track time, but that’s where the mental part comes in too. I always say if you run 4.3 but you’re not smart, you don’t will never play in 4.3.”

Buffalo is rebuilding its passing corps, and Coleman should play a big role in that effort. The Bills allowed Gabe Davis to leave in free agency, then traded Stefon Diggs to the Texans for a second-round pick. With Coleman, tight end Dalton Kincaid and receivers Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins, Josh Allen will have a completely different group of targets than he’s used to. It may take some time to come together, but the Bills are clearly entering the next phase of the Allen era.