2024 Rookie Profile: Keon Coleman – Wide Receiver

Profile Overview

• College: Florida State
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 213 lbs
• Arm: 32 1/8
• Hands: 9 3/8
• 40 Time: 4.61
• 10 Yard Split: 1.54
• Vertical Jump: 38″
• Age: 21
• Year: Junior
• Draft Projection: 2nd Round

College Career

Keon Coleman played his high school ball at Opelousas Catholic School in Opelousas, LA. He was a three-sport athlete, playing football, basketball, and track. He had an impressive junior season with 22 touchdowns on 35 catches. He was considered a four-star player coming into college. He would commit to playing his college ball for Michigan State. 

Coleman would play minimally during his first season, but Michigan State had players like Kenneth Walker and Jayden Reed handle the show. In 2022, Coleman would significantly jump in production as he led the Spartans in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He even out-produced Reed despite playing one more game. Coleman would account for 30% of the passing yards and 36% of the passing touchdowns from Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne.

Following that season, Coleman ended up transferring to Florida State. Coleman felt that the system didn’t fit him, and he needed to go somewhere else that would allow him to do what he did best. 

Last season, Coleman produced similarly to his sophomore season. He struggled for the final two weeks, with Travis Jordan being lost for the season. Coleman was on pace to finish with 800 yards and 14 touchdowns. He only had five career 100-yard games in his two seasons. He finished the season as a first-team All-ACC WR, All-Purpose, and Special Teams. Coleman was the first FSU player to win all three in the same season. He also was third in FBS with 300 punt return yards.  

Strengths

Coleman comes in with some exciting strengths as a receiver in this class. His big frame of 6’3″ allows him to make jump ball catches. Coleman caught 22 of 48 contested catches in college, which gives him a 45% catch rate. Coleman also had strong hands and rarely dropped the ball. He is built to play the x receiver at the NFL level. He has good agility and explosion for his size, which is rare. I wouldn’t say his route running is excellent, but it is good enough and not bad.

Physical YAC Ability

One of Coleman’s significant strengths is his ability once the ball is in his hands. He shows off his power and strength to gain those yards after the catch. He averaged a solid 6.4 yards after the catch. Many receivers use speed, but Coleman uses short area bursts and bullies defenders out of his way. This skill will be valuable at the next level as a reliable target to get that first down or get the yards the offense needs. Coleman is consistently shown on film, getting another five to eight yards after the catch on plays. 

Ball Skills

Coleman has elite ball skills for the receiver position. On film, Coleman has made some spectacular catches on the field. Coleman should be able to thrive with a jump ball and adjust to the ball coming his way. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had a multiple ten-plus touchdown season in his career. He can track the ball in the air and make the catch at the highest point. Coleman can create leverage and return with the ball due to his strength. Coleman will impress at least a handful of teams with his ability to catch the ball.   

Weakness

Coleman’s weakness on film is his ability to separate from defenders. He leans on being in contested catch situations rather than being able to get open on plays. Coleman likes to overpower his defensive backs, which he goes up against, but he may not be able to do that consistently. He gets pushed around the line of scrimmage against very physical corners that could throw him off his route. Coleman doesn’t have the deep speed to be a downfield threat. He isn’t going to be a player who can zip past a defender, as he doesn’t possess that trait. 

His efficiency stats were poor during his final season. His footwork could use more work, as he doesn’t come off his breaks that well. For me, Coleman is landing spot dependent. He needs to be with a quarterback that can throw him open so he can make plays that way. He has potential, but there seems to be something missing in his game that needs to be adjusted at the next level. 

Draft Prediction/Dynasty Value/Rookie Draft

Coleman’s landing spot will help understand his value in the NFL. I don’t think he could land with any team and thrive in the same way. He had top 30 visits with the Bills, Saints, and Bucs. He also met with teams like the Texans, Steelers, Cowboys, and Ravens. Coleman seems destined for a round two selection due to the size he offers for the position. The Bills or Saints could be a strong landing spot for Coleman. Both need to use a bigger receiver who can be an X receiver in the NFL. 

Coleman needs a quarterback that can get him the ball efficiently if he wants to succeed at the next level. He’ll likely be a late round two pick in rookie drafts, especially if he gets day two capital. I don’t see Coleman having an immediate impact to start his NFL career. Unless you are in a league where punt returns count, a contending team should look to avoid Coleman. A rebuilding squad would be a perfect owner to draft Coleman for his big frame to eventually be a starting X receiver. Coleman has talent, but some things must be worked on to reach this potential. 

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