Bills GM Makes Surprise 5-Word Statement on Rookie WR’s Combine Struggle
Numerous analysts raised concerns when wide receiver Keon Coleman faced challenges during the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, perceiving it as a warning sign. However, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane perceived it as an opportunity.
The Bills opted for Coleman as their first pick in the second round, having traded back twice in the first round to amass picks before securing the Florida State wide receiver. This decision followed what CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin described as a “disappointing” 40-yard dash performance, where Coleman’s time of 4.61 seconds ranked him towards the bottom among wide receiver prospects.
A recently unveiled behind-the-scenes video from the NFL Combine depicted Beane’s satisfaction at Coleman’s performance falling short of expectations.
Love these behind the scenes looks from the evaluation side along with the quotable & telling lines. Also pairs nicely with the well chosen reps of Keon Coleman at the Combine#Bills #BillsMafia #GoBills
— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) May 8, 2024
“I’m pleased he clocked that,” Beane informed assistant general manager Brian Gaine and director of player personnel Terrance Gray, noting that the slower time would contribute to Coleman slipping to the Bills towards the conclusion of the first round.
Bills GM Got His Wish
Beane’s strategy of having wanted draft prospects remain somewhat unnoticed at the NFL Combine isn’t new. In 2020, during the combine, a video captured him cheering for wide receiver Gabe Davis to post a 40-yard dash time that wouldn’t attract too much attention.
“It’s fascinating how many talented receivers are in this mix,” Beane remarked to then-assistant general manager Joe Schein and head coach Sean McDermott in a video excerpt featured on Bills: Embedded 2020. “I’m fond of Davis. I hope he doesn’t clock too fast because he plays faster — you catch my drift? Just hit around 4.58 or so, he’ll do just fine.”
Davis ultimately recorded a time of 4.54 seconds, leading Beane to select him in the fourth round that year. Davis went on to spend four seasons with the Bills, accumulating 163 receptions for 2,730 yards and 27 touchdowns before departing in free agency this offseason.
Keon Coleman Learning His Role
This week marked Coleman’s introduction to genuine NFL football as he participated in the team’s rookie minicamp, commencing on May 10. The former Florida State wide receiver mentioned that he has been closely collaborating with wide receivers coach Adam Henry on grasping the team playbook and its underlying concepts to catch up swiftly.
“Coach Henry has been an immense help,” Coleman conveyed, as reported by Nick Sabato of the Niagara Gazette. “We’ve been using Zoom for the past week or so, dissecting it step by step, comprehending the terminology, and within each play, understanding its objectives. This approach simplifies it greatly because there’s an abundance of concepts you can employ.”
Coleman additionally shared that he’s gaining insight into what the Bills prioritize most in their wide receivers, which is a deeper comprehension of the game.
“The Bills emphasize a higher football IQ,” Coleman elaborated. “… It demands you to possess more than just a basic understanding. The defense shapes what you’re truly aiming for. Hence, being capable of making adjustments at the line, mastering multiple positions, that’s just the starting point. But delving into the intricate aspects of football within routes, maneuvers, motions, and strategically attacking specific defenses with leverage and tactics, I reckon that’s the major adjustment, and it’s quite extensive.”