It’s not lost on Buffalo Bills fans that if their most recent investment in a wide receiver with a top-32 selection was more reliable, the position wouldn’t be nearly as pressing a need heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Keon Coleman has had his moments as a playmaker in the Bills’ offense, but his sophomore season as a pro was one to forget.
A second season that included his most productive single-game performance and multiple healthy scratches from a gameday lineup leaves Bills Mafia with nothing but a huge question mark of what to expect from him in Year 3.
But, before the Bills add another young prospect to the receiving corps, a former Buffalo Bill already gave fans reason to believe that Year 3 may prove to be a step in the right direction for Coleman.
Stevie Johnson’s perspective fuels optimism for Bills WR Keon Coleman
Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson recently joined the Buffalo End Zone podcast, where he talked about Coleman heading into his third season and the mentorship he has provided the soon-to-be 23-year-old this offseason.
Johnson said he wanted to see Coleman come to Buffalo as a draft prospect out of Florida State because of his playmaking ability, especially on 50/50 balls. Johnson was even more intrigued after Coleman was selected with the No. 32 overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and learned that he shared a background in basketball.
“What I didn’t know about Keon was exactly how new he was to the wide receiver game. And I didn’t know this until this past offseason, where I got to really talk to him,” Johnson said. Johnson mentioned that he and Coleman never spoke before this offseason, but now Johnson is giving him advice personally, exchanging videos, and talking details about the position.
“Now I’m understanding that he was just collecting data those first two years, and he still had over 400 yards. So right now, I’m even higher on him that I’ve been able to do some type of mentorship with him and really understand what he’s thinking.”
Johnson also said he sees Coleman as a potential X-factor in the offense going forward, rather than being a designated WR1, 2 or 3– a reliable playmaker as needed.
At times last season, Coleman showcased such examples, particularly in the postseason, where he caught a 36-yard pass that set up a Bills touchdown and caught one of his own against the Denver Broncos.
Nonetheless, Coleman is still in a position where he’ll have to earn back some trust from Bills Mafia in 2026, and he’ll have to earn his way onto the field as well. D.J. Moore is the WR1 now, and Khalil Shakir will still be heavily relied upon as well. If the Bills do add to the room in the draft, that’s one more obstacle for Coleman to have to contend with.
Still, it’s good to hear another positive endorsement of Coleman’s chances to bounce back this fall. Hopefully, when the season finally rolls around, Coleman will answer the call and give the Bills an edge in the passing game that they missed dearly last season.
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