Risk Flags
6- Maturity Concerns
Coleman was benched on multiple occasions in 2025 for disciplinary reasons, a damaging signal for a second-year player. New HC Joe Brady was the OC in 2025 and witnessed these incidents firsthand, meaning the trust deficit carries over to the new regime.
- Off Field Maturity
Coleman was benched and made a healthy scratch for four games in 2025 due to being late to meetings and off-field timing issues. GM Beane and HC Brady both emphasized he must handle off-field responsibilities to earn opportunities.
- Target Competition
DJ Moore now operates as the Bills' WR1 outside receiver with Josh Palmer as the Z and Khalil Shakir owning the slot — Coleman enters 2026 as the 4th receiver in the formal rotation with no defined role despite being a former second-round pick.
- Make-or-Break Year
Coleman himself called 2026 'make-or-break' after May OTAs, and reporting suggests he needs a huge camp just to justify a 53-man spot. His job is not guaranteed.
- WR Room Depth
Khalil Shakir (value 3004.0) is ranked significantly higher and has established himself as the primary option. Coleman finished 2025 with only 404 yards and 4 TDs across 13 games while competing for targets with multiple other receivers.
- Draft Miss Narrative
Owner Terry Pegula publicly blamed the previous coaching staff for pushing Coleman's 2024 selection, creating an unfavorable narrative. Through two seasons, Coleman has 67 receptions for 960 yards and 8 TDs—trailing comparable draft-year peers like Ricky Pearsall and Ladd McConkey on a per-game basis.