Bills sign ‘outstanding’ former Ohio State WR early after draft
The Buffalo Bills continued to add new talent to their roster after the 2024 NFL Draft. One of Bills manager Brandon Beane’s first moves was to sign former Ohio State wide receiver Xavier Johnson Jr.
Shortly after the third day, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz reported that Johnson, the former Buckeyes captain, was headed to Buffalo. Johnson’s stats as a receiver are nothing special, totaling 26 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns during his time at Ohio State.
However, Ryan Talbot of Syracuse.com wrote, “Johnson is a standout player for the Buckeyes, which could give him a chance in Buffalo.”
Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked the 6-foot, 202-pounder as the 45th-best wide receiver entering the NFL Draft, but emphasized his talent on special teams. “Johnson grew up in the Cincinnati area and was a standout basketball and football player at Summit Country Day School. As a three-star recruit, he received double-digit offers in football (and some basketball offers, too). However, I decided to attend my dream school, Ohio State University, instead,” Brugler wrote. “He earned a special teams role in each of the last five seasons and finished his career with an impressive 899 snaps and 14 tackles.”
The Bills recruit “has burst into the rotation at both running back and wide receiver, and his two career touchdown receptions (one against Notre Dame and one against Georgia) were significant due to injury. It came at a moment when I had no choice but to step up my efforts.” He is an instinctive athlete with the ball in his hands and is blessed with quick and agile feet. His tenacity and resilience are winning qualities. “Overall, while Johnson’s offensive skills at the next level may not be outstanding, he is a skilled coach and his impact on special teams allows him to remain on an active NFL roster.” There is a possibility that it will continue.”
The Bills Only Drafted 1 WR During the NFL Draft, Keon Coleman
After trading up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Buffalo finally acquired the pick on the second day. The Bills selected former Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick. After arriving in Buffalo, Coleman told reporters that he received a text message from cornerback Josh Allen after his name was called.
“He texted me that day and said, ‘You’re the one I’m looking for.’ I want to see many receivers and play with you, “said Coleman. “And I said the same thing. I want to play with the player with jersey number 17. I think he’s a great defender and one of the best players in the league right now. He wants to catch his passes. I’m ready for that. ”
After one year as a starter at FSU, Coleman had 50 receptions for 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned 25 punts for 300 yards. He can make explosive plays but has issues with consistency and separation.
Brandon Beane Said They Aren’t Making a Splash Trade for A Star WR
There are rumors that the Bills could trade San Francisco 49ers stars Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, or Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins. However, Beane has made it clear that there will be no major trades or signings this offseason.
Beane, who traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, is hoping Coleman can fill that void. “Position after position, you will never be happy. You never get satisfied and say, ‘We’ve got it all figured out,'” Bean told reporters on April 27. “If you’re expecting something big or something, you’re not going to get a deal.”
Beane said he’s happy with the Bills’ current group. Allen’s top targets currently include Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins and tight end Dalton Kincaid. The Bills signed wide receiver Quintez Cephas on Sunday, April 28, his agent told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Detroit Lions’ 2020 fifth-round pick missed all of last season after being suspended for violating the league’s game policy. He had 37 catches for 568 yards and four touchdowns in three seasons.
