Buffalo Bills receiver Keon Coleman is entering his second season with a little bit to prove after a so-so rookie season that was marred by injury and inconsistent form.
Still able to post 556 yards and four touchdowns, more is expected of Keon in Year 2, given how high the Bills drafted him (start of the second round), plus he is seen as a potential No. 1 weapon for Josh Allen moving forward.
But there is a lot of water to go under the bridge before Keon can be seen as such a weapon, but as training camp continues for Buffalo, fellow receiver Khalil Shakir has already noticed the differences in Coleman.
“He's definitely taken that next big step for sure,” Shakir said. “He's willing to learn, to grow, to come in here and work and grind. Anytime he has any questions, he's not afraid to ask. And I think that's different for younger guys. Usually it's harder for them to speak what's on their mind and say what's on their chest, and he does. And that's good.
"We want that because we don't want you to be thinking anything and holding that in when everyone else has all this information for you to get better. So, he's definitely not scared to say anything. He's for sure showing up every single day, he's definitely willing to take that next step and he's doing anything he can to do that.”
Given the circus surrounding the Bills' weapons in 2025, with some of the thought that Allen needs a genuine No. 1 weapon despite the obvious salary cap constraints, Keon could develop into that weapon.
With Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Dalton Kincaid and Joshua Palmer alongside him, the Bills do have a nice collection of talent, but someone needs to separate themselves from the pack.
And given the ability at his disposal, many think that it should be Coleman who elevates himself.
He's acknowledged his shortcomings in Year 1 and appears determined to hit the ground running in Year 2.
And if Shakir's words are to be believed, he's already taken that step.
