One training camp battle for the Buffalo Bills that isn’t getting a lot of attention, yet it should be closely monitored is the final wide receiver spot. The five receivers right now that are pretty much a lock to make the roster are Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Curtis Samuel, and Elijah Moore. Maybe fans may not think Moore is a lock, but he brings speed to the offense that the Bills can’t ignore.
There are three other names that fans should keep an eye on as training camp approaches on who can be the sixth receiver. This could come down to either extra hard work or showing the coaching staff that they have versatility. Those three players are Laviska Shenault, Tyrell Shavers, and rookie Kaden Prather.
Brutal training camp battle should be one that Bills fans keep an eye on
The Bills signed Shenault to a one-year deal this past offseason. He’s been a bit of a journeyman since being drafted in the 2nd round by the Jaguars. Along with the Jaguars, Shenault has played for the Panthers, Seahawks, and Chargers. Now he’s in Buffalo with hopes that he can turn his career around and find some stability.
He’s had no more than 619 yards in a season and has only had six career receiving touchdowns. He’s had just one total touchdown the last two seasons (with that one score being on special teams).
Tyrell Shavers was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Bills in 2023. Going into last year’s preseason schedule, he became a bit of a fan-favorite after a solid training camp performance. However, he had an underwhelming preseason and didn’t make the final 53-man roster.
He did get the chance to play for the Bills in three games and he had one breakout in Week 17 against the New York Jets where he reeled in a simple screen pass and took it 69 yards to the house in a blowout win against the Jets.
Then there is Kaden Prather, who the Bills drafted in the 7th round of this year’s draft out of Maryland. He recorded 624 yards and 4 touchdowns last season in college. He might be able to show what he can do on special teams to earn a roster spot, but he faces a major uphill battle to snag a roster spot.
This is a battle that isn’t exactly a big one for Bills fans to follow, but it’s an important one for depth and versatility.