Buffalo Bills: Predicting roles for 2022 draft picks entering second season

Khalil Shakir

The Buffalo Bills drafted Khalil Shakir in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he was considered to be one of the steals of Day 3 in the entire draft. However, Shakir was buried down on the depth chart for most of his rookie season and he had only 10 receptions during the regular season, with three coming against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.

He was more involved in the playoffs with five receptions and 91 yards in those two games and that could have been an early indication of what he might be able to do this season. Right now, the Bills don't have a clear answer at slot receiver and it seems it will be a bit of a committee this season.

The Bills likely will try to have Dalton Kincaid, who was their first round pick this year, get some snaps there but a majority of the work might go to Shakir or Trent Sherfield. Entering this season, after Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, it should be Khalil Shakir who sees the most targets and receptions at wide receiver.

The opportunities may not be consistent on a week-to-week basis and could be matchup dependent. However, if there is an injury at the position, Shakir will be in line for a career year.