Ranking the Buffalo Bills rookie class based on impact in 2022

Khalil Shakir

In the fifth round, the Buffalo Bills drafted Khalil Shakir out of Boise State who long-term looks like he has a good opportunity to be the starting slot receiver for this offense.

However, as a rookie offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey will need to get creative to get him snaps on the field with the depth at the wide receiver position. It certainly can be done and Shakir is a player who has shown he is a good receiver but also is effective at rushing the ball. That versatility should help him as a rookie.

One path that Shakir does have to be a regular contributor is if he were to win the job returning kickoffs and punts. Last year, the Bills gave Isaiah McKenzie, Marquez Stevenson, and Micah Hyde opportunities here and all three will likely be competing again this year.

However, Shakir has 24 career punt returns and if he impresses during training camp and preseason it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be the starter as a rookie.