REPORT: Josh Allen impressed by Bills rookie as Buffalo look to replace Stefon Diggs
The Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans this offseason, leaving a significant void in their receiving corps. Quarterback Josh Allen has since shared his thoughts on adapting to life without his star wide receiver, expressing confidence that Keon Coleman is the ideal player to fill the gap left by Diggs.
During his four years with the Bills, Diggs established himself as one of the NFL’s top pass catchers, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark each season. However, off-field issues and a disappointing playoff run last season prompted the Bills to trade the 30-year-old to Houston. This move left the Bills without a prominent deep-threat receiver, which they addressed by drafting Florida State prospect Keon Coleman with the 33rd-overall pick in the second round.
Allen has been impressed by Coleman’s performance in Organized Team Activities (OTAs). The six-foot-three, 213-pound playmaker appears to be a perfect fit for the Bills’ passing attack. “I think his play style [is] what we needed in our offense,” Allen told NFL Network. “Talking with our offensive coordinator [Joe Brady], our quarterbacks coach [Ronald Curry], [general manager] Brandon Beane and, obviously, coach [Sean] McDermott, a guy that’s a big-bodied guy and can go win one a back-shoulder fade and not afraid to be a physical wide receiver.”
Allen also highlighted the contributions of other players in the receiving corps. “I think you pair him with some of the guys we have in our room right now, I think Mack Hollins has been such a great addition so far to that room with his mentality, his mindset is infectious to others. Curtis Samuel, he’s been showing up every single day ready to work. You start pairing those guys up with Dawson [Knox] and Coleman in this mix now, we’re gonna have a pretty solid group that works together.”
Over the past week, Allen and his teammates have had intensive sessions with the rookie squad at Orchard Park, emphasizing the importance of maximizing their time together. “I think it starts here in OTAs. I’m fortunate enough to have those guys in the building right now,” Allen said. “We’re throwing throughout practice. We’re taking extra reps after practice. Obviously, this time [of year], you’ve only got a certain amount of time where you can get those reps.”
Allen stressed the need for continued effort even during the offseason. “So just doing some stuff extra and finding time. We’ll get that month off, if you will, in late June-early July, try to find a window where we can get together and throw again. Just make sure that we’re staying on top of things, and getting as many reps as possible.”