FSU Wide Receiver Keon Coleman Shows Concerns

The 2024 NFL Draft is just a few weeks away as we dive into Florida State University (FSU) wide receiver Keon Coleman.

Coleman was rated a four-star recruit by both ESPN & 247 Sports coming out of high school.

He eventually committed to Michigan State before transferring to Florida State in 2023. In 28 career games, he racked in 115 receptions, 1,506 yards (13 AVG), and 19 touchdowns.

2023 Summary:

Coleman’s season went down production-wise compared to his 2022 season at Michigan State. Coleman racked in 50 receptions, 658 yards (13.2 AVG), and 11 touchdowns with some drop issues toward the end of the season. He was also awarded First-Team All-ACC as a wide receiver.

Overview:

6-Foot-3, 213 Pounds

Coleman Combine Results

Colton Edwards Grade: Second-Round

2023 Film Evaluated: Duke, LSU, and Wake Forest

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Strengths: Prototypical size with physicality, good length, and a muscular build. Consistently attacks vertically off releases while manipulating corners’ blind spots with efficiency. Elite body contortion, allowing himself to make extended adjustments look effortless. Very good hand timing, hand-eye coordination, body control, and strength to high point the football. Good change of direction, flashing his agility after the catch with an impressive up-field burst. Solid ability to work aggressively back on all level throws for the quarterback. Solid foot speed and lateral agility.

Weaknesses: Adequate release package as he can become locked down easily against press-man coverage. Limited route running ability and route tree. Lacks smoothness throughout the route. Below-average acceleration and fluidity, resulting in inconsistent separation at his breaks and allowing defenders to stay close. Needs technique refinement in his footwork, hip flexibility, and bend. Has occasional concentration or contested catch drops. Marginal run block ability in space despite his physical prowess with the need to bring more aggression and tenacity out wide.

Words From His Team

FSU coach Mike Norvell shared his thoughts on what makes Coleman such a great player.

“You got a playmaker that’s made plays all over the field, and the respect and appreciation that he’s earned through that,” said Norvell. “I mean, he had no punt returns before he came here. But that was something that we felt he could make a great impact. He was he was willing and wanted to. And he’s recognized as the best all-purpose [player] here in the ACC; that was really, really neat to see.”

FSU QB Jordan Travis also highlighted Coleman’s abilities at the 2024 NFL Combine.

“[Keon Coleman’s] one of the best players I’ve ever been around in my life,” Travis told the media Friday at the NFL Combine. “(He) makes my job easy. You just throw the ball up in the air, and he makes plays. He’s a quarterback’s best friend, so I’m thankful for Keon, for sure.”

Summary

Coleman is ultimately a prototypical build for an NFL wide receiver with explosiveness vertically and impressive body contortion ability with a rare level of utility and playmaking ability across phases. With the need for development in route running and separation with refinement of technical and physical mechanics, he drops down the board to day two. He’s a well-rounded No. 2 receiver who can become a Red Zone specialist or short to intermediate target to open the field.

Who will he remind us of?

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF (Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. He aspires to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.