Buffalo Bills position preview: Can wide receivers give Josh Allen what he needs?
Now healthy, Keon Coleman is out to prove why the Bills took him with their first selection of the 2024 draft. And outside of his personal pride, the offense needs him.
Editor’s note: This is the ninth in a series previewing the Bills’ position groups as training camp looms. Today: Wide receivers.
Keon Coleman knows all eyes are on him. The second-year wide receiver enters training camp with the Buffalo Bills needing to make a jump from last season. Those expectations are clear to him, and the 22-year-old Coleman had a laundry list of things he was working on when he spoke at minicamp.
“Speed, technique, lifting, getting stronger, getting bigger, getting faster, putting masks back on, getting back swole, playing physical and stuff like that,” Coleman said. “And then, other than that, just perfecting my craft.”
Bills receiver Keon Coleman knows he has to play better this season. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
In his rookie campaign, Coleman had 29 catches on 57 targets for 556 yards and four touchdowns. He worked through a middle-of-season wrist injury that sidelined him for four regular-season games. But even once he returned to the lineup, his numbers were down. In the postseason, Coleman had just three catches on eight targets for 22 yards.
Now healthy, Coleman is out to prove why the Bills took him with their first selection of the 2024 draft. And outside of his personal pride, the offense needs him.
On the roster: 13
Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Joshua Palmer, Khalil Shakir, Jalen Virgil, Laviska Shenault Jr., Elijah Moore, K.J. Hamler, Tyrell Shavers, Kaden Prather, Kristian Wilkerson, Kelly Akharaiyi and Stephen Gosnell.How many on the final 53?
Six: Coleman, Shakir, Palmer, Samuel, Moore and Shenault.Most impactful offseason move
Joshua Palmer. The Bills brought in the former Los Angeles Chargers receiver on a three-year deal, and they’re looking for him to make an impact on the offense.His best season came in 2022, with 72 catches for 769 yards and three touchdowns. A change of scenery could benefit the Toronto native, who’s thrilled to be a lot closer to home. But outside of personal reasons for the move, Palmer is embracing the Bills’ offense and the chance to play with quarterback Josh Allen. While some looked for the Bills to make a bigger move this offseason, Palmer adds a steady downfield threat with his ability to separate.
Biggest question to answer in camp
Can the group as a whole give Allen the weapons he needs? Now, this is not solely on the wide receivers. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady is still rolling with the “everybody eats” mentality, which means tight ends and running backs will be involved in the passing game. Still, with Allen’s MVP-caliber playmaking ability, the receivers need to hold up their end of the bargain and make a splash on game days. Khalil Shakir led the team last season with 821 yards and 76 catches. Outside of his steady presence, can the group take a step forward?
Can Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel find his form after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign? Derek Gee, Buffalo News
