Keon Coleman making a splash with as good a training camp as Bills fans could have hoped for

Expectations were all over the board for rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman entering his first training camp. Maybe the hype train is going off the rails, but Coleman is having as strong a training camp as Bills Mafia could have ever hoped for.

Early returns on Keon Coleman in training camp are glowing

Late in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills did what many considered to be unthinkable by trading with the Kansas City Chiefs with Xavier Worthy still on the board. I was there. When the trade was announced, it was a foregone conclusion that the Chiefs would be selecting Worthy – an absolute burner that possess great route running and game-breaking potential.

I won't lie. I cussed like a sailor when it happened. I hated the idea of handing Worthy to Patrick Mahomes.

But when my cooler head was able to sit back and process, I understood what Brandon Beane was doing. Clearly, Worthy wasn't their guy. They had Keon Coleman higher on their board, Josh Allen wanted Coleman and they were able to add a valuable draft pick that later turned into DT DeWayne Carter. If they didn't want to take Worthy, why simply pick Coleman at 28th overall and let Worthy fall to the Chiefs anyway, instead of getting another valuable asset out of the situation? Frustrating, but smart.

Keon Coleman carrying high expectations

Since the Coleman selection was announced with the first pick of the second round, the conversation has largely centered on whether or not Coleman is polished enough to be a contributor right out of the gate, and how his impact would help compensate for losing Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis.

Fair or not, Coleman will always be linked to the choice to move on from Diggs, much like how Titans fans will lump Treylon Burks in with moving on from A.J. Brown in a draft-day trade.

It's important to temper expectations and allow Coleman to be his own player , not constantly put him in the shadow of his all-pro predecessor.

Keon Coleman flourishing in training camp

Now, that said, it's also perfectly fine to be excited about what Coleman is doing thus far in training camp. The reporters that are on the ground can't stop gushing about what he has showcased, from his ability to win on the boundary with size and athleticism, to more nuanced spacial awareness than most pundits gave him credit for coming out of college.

Coleman appears to be taking everything in stride, learning quickly, and is building a fast and strong chemistry with Josh Allen. Most notably, Coleman is winning down the field. If he can consistently win on the chunk plays and jump balls, he will be an incredibly valuable asset on the outside of the offense.

An important development that has also shown itself in camp? Coleman hasn't just been lining up on the boundary. This is a big, physical, athletic wide receiver that's strong after the catch, and it looks as though OC Joe Brady has plans to get some packages in where Coleman will be able to play a power slot.

Also of note, it's not that Coleman is doing this with the backups. Coleman has been thrown in with the 1's to start his professional career, and has been hauling in touchdown after touchdown, and highlight after highlight, against the Bills' best cornerbacks. This wide receiver might be quite special.

Another area Coleman will be able to help this offense right away? Utilizing his athleticism and body awareness on the sideline when the play breaks down. If Allen is forced out of the pocket, Coleman could have the trust of Allen to draw the target in a backyard football type of setting to escape danger.

I hesitate to say it, because it sounds lofty – but there's every reason to believe that Coleman is this team's No. 1 wide receiver right out of the gate.

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