Isaiah McKenzie
With Cole Beasley out against New England a year ago, McKenzie got his first full-time chance to prove what he could do as the team’s starting slot. McKenzie exceeded all expectations and became the Bills’ key to victory in a crucial divisional game.
McKenzie’s speed was too much for the Patriots linebackers and safeties to match up with, and ‘Lil Dirty’ showed great chemistry and trust with Josh Allen. Despite McKenzie’s 11-catch 125-yard performance, the Bills still gave the slot role back to Cole Beasley when Beasley returned the following week.
This offseason, the Bills seemingly blocked McKenzie out of the starting slot role again when they brought in an established slot receiver in Jamison Crowder. However, all indications out of Buffalo Bills training camp are that McKenzie is beating out Crowder and has the upper hand for the job.
If McKenzie can get on the field full time, which now seems like the likely outcome, he will have a monster season in this Bills offense in 2022.