Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman is one of the most dominant prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Coleman enjoyed a terrific season with the Seminoles, totaling 50 receptions for 658 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Receivers with Coleman’s size, stature, and production rarely last very long on draft weekend.
Coleman possesses outstanding size and length for the position. Rare ball skills and the ability to excel in contested-catch situations are at the forefront of Coleman's make-up as a prospect. Body control and high-pointing the football give Coleman the advantage in 50-50 situations. He is a premium red-zone threat for today's pass-happy offenses. With that in mind, we've identified three ideal team fits for Coleman.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Bills are expected to part ways with Gabe Davis this offseason, who is scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency. Davis' departure will create a need in Buffalo's offense for a vertical receiving threat. Coleman is capable of making explosive plays in the passing game. Josh Allen would appreciate Coleman’s ability to dominate at all three levels.
The aging Stefon Diggs has begun showing signs of slowing down. Coleman could help fill out a receiving corps that also features Dalton Kincaid and Khalil Shakir. I believe the depth Buffalo possesses at the pass-catching positions would put Coleman in a great spot to begin his career. The Bills wouldn't immediately be overly reliant on Coleman, who could gradually develop into a game-changer at his own pace.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII despite having clear weaknesses at the receiver position. Patrick Mahomes is an equalizer who elevates the talent around him, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo oversaw a unit that picked up the slack. Winning cures all, but there's no denying that general manager Brett Veach has fumbled the position in recent offseasons.
Kadrius Toney and Skyy Moore haven't met expectations. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is a likely cap casualty. Releasing Valdes-Scantling would save the Chiefs $11.9 million. Rashee Rice should take another step forward as a sophomore in 2024, but Veach should pair Rice with another playmaker. Travis Kelce isn't going to be around forever. Drafting Coleman with the 32nd overall selection would increase the Chiefs' chances of achieving the rare three-peat next season.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
I expect the Bengals to apply the franchise tag on free-agent-to-be Tee Higgins, ensuring he returns to Cincinnati for the 2024 campaign. Other scenarios could play out, such as a tag-and-trade. Although I anticipate Higgins suiting up for the Bengals next season, it's expected to be his final year in Cincinnati as the Bengals can ill-afford to sign him to the lucrative extension he deserves.
Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin should think about planning for Higgins' eventual departure, even if it doesn't happen this offseason. The Bengals' offense has long thrived with three-receiver sets, pairing Higgins with Ja'Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd, the latter of which is also a free agent. Drafting Coleman as Higgins' long-term replacement could ensure the Bengals make a seamless transition to life without Higgins in the fold.
