The 2024 NFL Draft might provide Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal a significant boost after the Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver corps struggled with drops during the 2023 regular season, according to general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid.
Tyreek Hill’s exit before the 2022 season may have created a vacuum that speedster Xavier Woods may fill, but the Chiefs may need to select sure-handed pass-catchers early in the April draft in order to prepare for Hill’s departure.
According to CBS Sports’ most recent 2024 mock draft projection, the Chiefs will select Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the 32nd overall choice, adding him to Mahomes’ supporting cast in the vertical passing game.
Josh Edwards comments, “Kansas City needs consistency at the wide receiver position,” which is a statement of obviousness. “According to TruMedia, Keon Coleman had a mere 2.3% drop rate in 2023, giving the Chiefs size at the position.”
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Keon Coleman
What the Kansas City Chiefs get from Keon Coleman
Coleman, a big-bodied receiver who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 216 pounds, has the potential to be a dangerous red-zone target right out of the gate as an NFL rookie.
Coleman caught 115 passes for 1,506 yards and 19 touchdown grabs in his three years of college play, nine of which were in the red zone.
The Chiefs’ reliance on Travis Kelce, particularly when playing inside the 20-yard line, means that Coleman may give the passing game more target diversity, especially when the Chiefs are deep in opposition territory.
The fact that Coleman was only charged with two drops during the previous season—according to Pro Football Focus—may be the most significant factor for Kansas City. During the 2023 season, the Chiefs receivers collectively dropped a league-high 44 passes.
Coleman, a dependable target with sure hands who can develop into a regular red-zone weapon, has the ability to improve Kansas City’s offense.
Scouting Report on Keon Coleman
Choosing a receiver like Coleman might be crucial to addressing Kansas City’s wildly unreliable receiving corps after the team was shut out of the Diontae Johnson trade market and failed to sign Darnell Mooney in free agency.
Pro Football Focus notes that Coleman is a threat in the open field in addition to having dependable hands, as evidenced by his 10 missed tackles and 10 contested receptions.
According to PFF, Coleman is an elite athlete for the position in terms of explosiveness. “He possesses All-Pro level burst, top speed, and leaping ability. Nevertheless, his route tree and ability to break away from defensive backs are limited by his lack of quickness. His inability to consistently separate means he won’t be for everyone, but fans of above-the-rim (pun intended) alpha-type receivers will be huge fans.
