The 2024 class of wide receivers entering the NFL Draft is set to be one of the most historic in recent memory. One of the more polarizing pass catchers in the draft is Keon Coleman.
One headliner who could be selected anywhere from the first through third round is Florida State’s dynamic wide receiver, Keon Coleman. Since the conclusion of the 2023 season, the big-bodied receiver has moved up and down mock drafts. The receiver hopes to be the “darling” of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Keon Coleman at his Pro Day (March 22nd)
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Coleman is projected as a second—or third-round pick in most mock drafts. However, in front of 42 NFL scouts (including new Raiders coach Antonio Pierce) at Florida State’s Pro Day today, Coleman displayed crisp route running and soft hands.
“This is the final step they get to see before they go in there and make their draft boards,” Coleman said. “Really get to make your last impression your best one. Get to talk to them in person. It’s probably one of the more important steps.
“A lot of them [scouts], they didn’t really get to see all of the things I can do on film. We were just out there having fun, putting on a show.”
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Coleman put on a short but entertaining show. He glided across the field and caught every pass, although one deep ball from Glenn was well beyond the receiver’s reach.
Keon Coleman Comparison
A name that might shock some to compare to Keon Coleman might be the “sleeper” draft pick of 2023, Puka Nakua.
Coleman should stay within the third round, while Nakua was drafted in the fifth round by the LA Rams. However, the draft slot is different from what we are comparing.
Puka measures about 6’2 in height and weighs around 205 lbs. The Coleman is 6’3 in height and 215 in weight. Again, not the main comparison.
Here is where the comparison finally comes in:
Puka ran a 4.57 40-yard dash, while Coleman came in at a 4.61. Similar enough.
The gauntlet drill is a wide receiver drill in which receivers run in a straight line, catch footballs from different directions, and then turn up the field with the last one. The two fastest recorded times (since they started measuring speed) are, you guessed it, Coleman and Nakua. Both reached speeds of over 20.3 while running above a 4.5 40-yard dash.
Keon Coleman (@FSUFootball) reached the fastest speed of group 8 during the gauntlet drill (20.36 mph), despite recording the slowest forty time (4.61s).#NFLCombine x @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/1SioPdOPNU
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 2, 2024
Player tracking data unlocks the ability to move beyond the forty yard dash and better approximate game speed.
Puka Nacua reached the fastest speed of any wide receiver during last combine's gauntlet drill at 20.06 mph.#NFLCombine x @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/BRu8rjo4eA
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 2, 2024
Exceeding draft expectations, just as Nakua did, is the hope for Coleman.
Keon Draft Stock
Keon has unbelievable ability but lacks consistency. His potential will be among the highest in this wide receiver class, but unfortunately, that may mean his floor could be the lowest.
According to PFF, Keon is listed at 6’3 and 215 pounds. Coleman has prototypical NFL size and a highlight reel of the most spectacular catches in this draft class. However, consistency has never been there, and several red flags in his evaluation are going to leave draft analysts and NFL teams all over the map on him.
PFF has Keon being drafted 34th overall to the New England Patriots.
Opinions are wide on Keon Coleman. Ran just a 4.61, but reached 20.3 mph during the Gauntlet drill, the fastest among WRs. Biggest question is how well can he separate at the next level? This guy’s catch radius is insane. pic.twitter.com/FueMNHBbBL
— Kyle Lindemann (@LuckIsMadeFF) March 20, 2024
Coleman’s upside cannot be denied. Watching his career unfold could depend significantly on the team and the quarterback he is paired with. It will be interesting to see where he ends up in a month.
Ranking every WR in the 2024 Draft https://t.co/w69LehgD5L pic.twitter.com/c8USjRXClj
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) March 22, 2024
Interested in more articles like this? Follow me on X & Insta @Coach_CDowns. Check out my author page to follow along with other articles I have written.
