Bills' Beane stresses need for WR Coleman to improve consistency and maturity entering season

The Buffalo Bills are banking on wide receiver Keon Coleman to deliver a breakout performance in his third NFL season amid calls for improvement from management.

Why it matters: The success of the Bills' offense could hinge significantly on Coleman's development, especially with quarterback Josh Allen relying heavily on dependable targets.

  • As the 33rd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Coleman carries high expectations but has struggled with consistency and maturity issues that have affected his on-field performance.

What’s new: Coleman enters the upcoming season after a mixed second year, having accumulated 404 receiving yards and four touchdowns over 13 games.

  • Despite a promising opener in which he recorded 112 yards and a touchdown, he failed to surpass 50 receiving yards in any subsequent game, raising concerns about his ability to maintain momentum.

Yes, but: While Coleman has shown flashes of potential, his off-field challenges have impacted his standing with the team.

  • He was benched due to timing issues and disciplined by former coach Sean McDermott for tardiness, leading to a drop down the depth chart where he ended the last season as the sixth wide receiver.

What to watch: The Bills are optimistic about Coleman's offseason preparation under new head coach Joe Brady, who has expressed confidence in his abilities.

  • General manager Brandon Beane emphasized that Coleman’s commitment during training camp will be critical for rebuilding trust within the offense and aligning himself with Allen's expectations for reliability.

By the numbers: Coleman’s trajectory in the league is still in its infancy, but statistics reveal a stark contrast between his early promise and recent struggles.

  • Over 13 games in the previous season, Coleman averaged just 31 yards per game, highlighting the urgent need for him to elevate his level of play.

Between the lines: The Bills’ coaching staff remains optimistic about Coleman's future, as they believe that a strong showing in training camp could lead to more opportunities in the regular season.

  • As Beane noted, every missed game affects the chemistry between Coleman and Allen, emphasizing the importance of consistency in practice and performance.

The bottom line: For Keon Coleman, this season is not just about proving his worth to the Bills; it's an opportunity to redefine his career trajectory in the NFL.

  • With the support of a new coaching regime and a focus on accountability, Coleman could emerge as a significant player in the Bills' offensive scheme if he can overcome the hurdles that have plagued him thus far.
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Bills' Beane stresses need for WR Coleman to improve consistency and maturity entering season