New Orleans Saints Considering Florida State's Big-Bodied Wide Receiver To Replace All-Pro Michael Thomas

A closer look at a big-bodied pass catcher that the Saints have lined up for a pre-draft visit.

The New Orleans Saints would conduct an official draft visit with Florida State WR Keon Coleman, reported by Nick Underhill. The Saints entered the offseason with only wideouts Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry under contract.

During free agency, New Orleans added receivers Cedrick Wilson and Stanley Morgan Jr. Wilson has had decent production as a third or fourth receiver over a five-year career with the Cowboys and Dolphins. Morgan has been predominantly a special teamer through five years with the Cincinnati Bengals.

New Orleans will undoubtedly add more competition at wideout through the draft. The only question is how early they choose to do it. Here's a closer look at one of the Saints scheduled expected pre-draft visits.

Nov 18, 2023; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) / Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports

Keon Coleman was a dual football/basketball player at Opelousas Catholic High School in Louisiana and recruited to Michigan State to play both sports. As a true freshman, he'd catch seven passes for 50 yards and a score in 10 football games while appearing in six contests for the basketball team.

Primarily focusing on football entering 2022, Coleman would lead the Spartans with 58 receptions for 798 yards and seven touchdowns. He'd transfer to Florida State at the conclusion of the year. Coleman would lead the Seminoles in all three receiving categories in 2023. His 50 catches for 658 yards and 11 scores led to 1st Team All-ACC recognition.

Possessing outstanding size and length, Coleman is a surprisingly shifty athlete, evidenced by a 1.54 second 10-yard split at the NFL Scouting Combine. Those open field skills allowed him to excel as a punt returner (12-yard return average) and makes him dangerous after short receptions.

Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) sprints down the field towards the end zone. / Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA

Coleman has strong hands and aggressively attacks the throw. This often gives him a decided edge in traffic or against tight coverage. His basketball background is also advantageous as he expertly boxes out defenders from the throw.

Size is not the only clear advantage Coleman has over defenders. His elite leaping ability, amazing body control, and uncanny timing on jump balls gives him a catch radius that is nearly unguardable. Those traits, along with his focus in traffic, make him an ideal and trustworthy weapon near the goal line or crucial move-the-chain situations.

Coleman lacks the top-end speed to get separation without further route development. He'll need to sharpen his breaks to avoid every throw being heavily contested. Coleman may struggle with the press against corners who can match his physicality.

Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Keon Coleman (4) catches a pass from Florida State Seminoles / Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA

Coleman ran a disappointing 4.61 40 at the Scouting Combine. However, he showed a much better playing speed in college, though it may not be enough to be a consistent deep threat.

Keon Coleman will almost certainly be drafted between the middle of the second round and end of Day 2. At worst, he looks a big slot target who could be a premier weapon in the red zone and strengthen WR depth.

At best, Coleman could quickly become a strong #2 receiver that can play slot or outside while presenting major matchup advantages in becoming a trusted weapon for his quarterback.