Buffalo Bills: 3 reasons why Khalil Shakir will have success in 2023
By Brandon Ray
When the Buffalo Bills drafted wide receiver Khalil Shakir in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, there were talks about how the Bills acquired a steal so late in the draft. There was going to have to be development for his game, but Shakir had the potential to eventually become a starter for the Bills’ future.
Shakir was drafted out of Boise State in which he caught 208 receptions for 2,878 yards and 20 touchdowns in four seasons. His senior year, Shakir had a breakout season with season highs in catches (77), yards (1,117 yards), yards per reception (14.5) and touchdowns (7). In addition, he also had four games with 100 receiving yards or more.
Coming into Buffalo last season, Shakir was low on the depth chart behind players like Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Isaiah McKenzie. In fact, he was behind slot receiver Cole Beasley who was brought back to the Bills late in the season.
Now that McKenzie and Beasley are gone, this opens up the doors for Shakir to become more involved in the offense. Even with the presence of Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harry (both signed in free agency), Shakir is more familiar with the offensive scheme and still has time to develop his game.