Buffalo Bills: A look back at the 2022 draft class

Round 4: Khalil Shakir

In the fourth round in 2022, the Bills drafted Khalil Shakir, a wide receiver out of Boise State. Praised for his character and make-up, Shakir fell to the fourth round because of his build (short arms) and physicality. He profiled as a backup receiver with the potential to develop into a starter.

Though he caught just 10 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown during the regular season, Shakir saw his role expand in the Bills abbreviated post-season run. He added five catches for 91 yards in the playoffs. The more he saw the field, the more his timing and chemistry with QB Josh Allen seemed to improve.

Shakir seemed to force the Bills hand in playing him as the season went on. Even as the team added wide receiver options, signing Cole Beasley and John Brown late in the season, Shakir’s play forced them to increase his role. This bodes well for his future with the team.

The Bills have undergone significant changes to the wide receiver room this offseason. Beasley, Brown and Jake Kumerow are gone. The Bills have added Deonte Harty and Trent Sherfield who both add unique and potentially dynamic looks to the Bills offense.

Look for Shakir’s role to continue to grow with him lining up from both the slot and outside in 2023. He may not be a regular starter, but he rounds out a top four of the draft that should all contribute significantly to the Bills success in 2023.