Bills QB Josh Allen explains what attracted him to Keon Coleman during the pre-draft process

The idea of ​​quarterback Josh Allen having a say in the construction of the Buffalo Bills roster isn’t all that shocking: The offense, after all, can only go so far as he can make it. That information didn’t stop the Buffalo faithful from smirking when rookie receiver Keon Coleman told reporters that Allen texted him “You’re the guy I want” during his introductory press conference, because the audio message not only showed the quarterback taking the initiative, but also suggested that Allen was confident in his ability to turn the receiver into a potentially special player.

There were obvious things to like about Coleman as a prospect: The 6-foot-3 target has a huge receiving radius and is a clear threat in the red zone, which was demonstrated by his 11 receiving touchdowns at Florida State last season. He also has remarkable game speed, hitting a position-best 20.36 mph in the glove drill at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

It wasn’t his obvious physical attributes that piqued Allen’s interest, however, but rather what Coleman does when he’s not The primary reading of a play that most impressed the passer. The veteran signal-caller explained what drew him to Coleman during a recent appearance on Eric Wood’s Buffalo Centered podcast, noting that it adds a different, and potentially dynamic, element to the team’s receiving corps.

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“I think if you look at it not only when he’s getting targets, but when he’s not getting targets, when he’s running punt routes, when he’s blocking and taking things personally,” Allen said. “The way our roster was built back then, we had smaller guys. I’m not sure we had a big guy other than Mack (Hollins) to go up and catch a fade or win on a slant. We’re going to ask him to do different things than we would ask Khalil Shakir to do, or Curtis Samuel for that matter.”

“But again, you have to give Beane credit for his toughness, he showed it at Florida State and Michigan State. I think his film at Michigan State was really good, too. His ability to adjust in mid-air and catch some of those back shoulders, obviously a basketball background. I was really happy that Beane trusted me and trusted his instincts and gave us that type of weapon, because he’s a really special athlete. I’m looking forward to seeing how we can use him to the best of his ability and help our team win football games.”

The receiver Allen selected should play a significant role in Buffalo’s receiving corps in the immediate future, as the team parted ways with perennial Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs and free agent Gabriel Davis in the offseason. The two departing receivers combined for more than 240 targets and nearly 2,000 yards last season, and Coleman’s signature trait should account for a significant portion of that freed-up production.

It’s a tall order, but Coleman appears up for the challenge. He and Allen have had several catches during training camp, and the rookie said after Friday’s practice that he already has “great” chemistry with his quarterback.

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