Keon Coleman Could Be The Surprise of the 2024 Draft, Draws Comparisons to NFL Stud Wide Receiver

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.

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.

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.