Buffalo Bills: Early look at key position battles during 2023 offseason

Wide Receiver

Khalil Shakir vs. Trent Sherfield

The wide receiver position, particularly at slot receiver, is another position that would seem to be a perfect spot for the Buffalo Bills to address in the 2023 NFL Draft. Depending on how the first round plays out, there are a number of wide receivers that could be good fits at this spot in the offense.

However, for now, it appears to be a two-man race to step into the starting spot. Last season, the Bills began the year with Isaiah McKenzie as their starter but he would struggle in the expanded role and the team would bring back Cole Beasley.

Neither player is currently on the roster which leaves last year’s fifth round draft pick Khalil Shakir and free agent addition Trent Sherfield. The Buffalo Bills did also add Deonte Harty, but general manager Brandon Beane indicated that he would likely be more of that gadget player for this team.

Shakir is an intriguing player as he had limited snaps as a rookie but was pretty productive when on the field. Last season, Shakir had only 10 receptions for 161 receiving yards and one touchdown in 14 games but then had five receptions for 91 yards in two playoff games.

Meanwhile, Sherfield had 30 receptions last season with the Miami Dolphins for 417 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 58% of the offensive snaps. These totals were by far the most of his career but he could be a player just scratching the surface of what he can do.