‘It’s because the Bills clearly view receivers like most of the NFL teams: important but not vital. There was enough proof long before the draft, but the Bills put it on display again, disregarding the need to move up, and instead, trading back to get the guy they wanted in Florida State’s Keon Coleman.’
BillsBeat - April 27, 2024
Saturday's Keon Coleman Coverage
Saturday's Cole Bishop Coverage
Utah safety Cole Bishop selected by Buffalo Bills in second round of 2024 NFL draft (Salt Lake City Deseret News)
Cole Bishop fills a position of need for the Buffalo Bills and reunites with Dalton Kincaid (Salt Lake City Deseret News)
Former Utes safety Cole Bishop selected No. 60 overall by Buffalo Bills in NFL draft (KSL-TV)
Buffalo Bills open 2nd round of NFL draft by selecting Florida State receiver Keon Coleman
‘“Our board was getting thin as we went down and we just didn’t want to take a chance,” he said, acknowledging Coleman was among the few available receivers the Bills had been targeting since moving back from their original No. 28 pick. “Everyone in the draft room kind of knew without me saying who we wanted today.”’
Bills select wide receiver Keon Coleman with 33rd pick out of Florida State
‘After 22 career games with the Spartans, Coleman transferred to Florida State for the 2023 season, where he tallied 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. That was good enough to earn Coleman First-Team All-ACC honors.’
Bills look to pair Coleman, Allen for years to come
‘Coleman isn’t even old enough to buy alcohol yet. He’s just 20-years-old, turning 21 on May 17. He’ll now be paired with soon-to-be-28-year-old Josh Allen for the Bills quarterbacks’ prime years, as Beane reshapes the wide receiver room following the addition of Curtis Samuel and the departures of Diggs, as well as Gabe Davis via free agency.’
Bills take Utah safety Cole Bishop with 60th overall selection
‘Over the course of his collegiate career in Salt Lake City, Bishop has tallied 197 total tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, three interceptions and 14 pass breakups in 36 games played.’
Bishop's versatility should get him on field early
‘Bishop is extremely versatile. At Utah, he played strong safety, free safety, and in the box closer to the line of scrimmage. That’s the prototypical type of player head coach Sean McDermott loves having on the back end of his defense.’
Bills pick defensive tackle DeWayne Carter at 95th overall out of Duke
‘Over the course of 52 games during his collegiate career at Duke, Carter tallied 127 total tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, seven caused fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 15 quarterback pressures, and one blocked kick in 52 games played.’
Buffalo Bills get WR who has "that dog in him;" add Keon Coleman with first pick of second round
‘Coleman is a big-bodied threat who attacks jump balls with his 6’4″, 215-pound frame. As a junior with the Seminoles, Coleman caught 50 passes for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. The knock on Coleman is his lack of game-changing speed, but his other strengths make him a worthwhile gamble for the Bills as they look to find a true boundary wide receiver.’
Buffalo Bills playing it Safe-ty; select Utah safety Cole Bishop in 2024 NFL Draft
‘A second-team All-Pac-12 selection, in 11 total games for the Utes Bishop racked up 60 tackles, with 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 pass breakups, and a forced fumble.’
Brandon Beane hits the checklist for Buffalo Bills on Day 2 of 2024 NFL Draft
‘Lastly, the Bills added an intriguing piece, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter from Duke. His personality and hard work ethic make him stand out. Outside of being a three-year captain, Carter describes himself as having a high football IQ with high motor skills, and strong hands.’
4 things to know: Bills draft pick WR Keon Coleman
‘“You can see his above the rim plays, and we get some freelance plays with Josh’s athletic ability,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said. “He’s got a great feel, an instinctual feel and I think some of that comes from even his basketball background. This guy is not just like a high school basketball player, he could have played major college hoops so that shows you his athletic ability and we like guys that play multiple sports. He’s 20 years old, he’ll be 21 so still an ascending talent. I would say he’s a hungry dude.”‘
What are draft analysts saying about the Bills picking Utah safety Cole Bishop?
‘“Large, intimidating safety with magnificent movement skill. The QB of the defense. Aligns everywhere. Can wear many hats. Excelled as slot defender and vs. TEs in coverage and runs the alley on outside runs as well as any safety in the class. Ball skills and tackling must improve. Short arms. Need filled.”’
How did draft experts grade Bills’ selection of WR Keon Coleman?
‘“‘X’ receiver for WR-needy team. Plays faster than his combine speed but doesn’t separate consistently and isn’t as good of a contested-catch wideout as his size and highlight-reel would indicate. Young though.”’