Training Camp: The Buffalo Bills wide receiver room run-down

The Rest Of The Field

This is where things look difficult. Many of these players are playing with hopes to make the practice squad, be they veterans or undrafted rookies. To make the team at all is a longshot, and to do so in a significant and impctful way is but a pipedream. Still, these men are rostered and capable, so let's see what they offer.

Justin Shorter - 6'4 - 223lbs

Fans may remember Shorter as the muscled freak the Buffalo Bills selected last last draft, who missed the 2023 season with a 'tragic' injury. We say 'tragic' due to the likelihood that he was simply stashed on the injured reserve with something minor, so the team could keep him for camp this year. So far, he hasn't heard his name called, and nor have we.

Offering significant athleticism and size, but little refinement at all, Shorter can be a special teams contributor from day one. The problem comes with his production. He's never really done much with his tools and, barring a significant change, he's unlikely to see the field in 2024.

Andy Isabella - 5'9 - 188

The only person on this list not named Khalil Shakir to take a snap with the Bills, Andy Isabella is a better known to fans than much of his competition. Expected to compete as a kick returner when signed in 2023, Isabella lost that battle and lived on the Bills practice squad for much of 2023. They would likely be happy to see his speed and vision there again.

KJ Hamler - 5'9 -178

A former teammate of Justin Shorter's, Hamler has his own set of troubles. An early second-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2020, Hamler has been plagued by a torn ACL and many hamstring injuries though his career. Followed by a torn pec and the lengthy recovery time, things have been derailed significantly for Hamler, who had high expectations coming out of college. Once his recovery was complete, Hamler was diagnosed with pericarditis, a heart issue, and waived by the Broncos.

Now, he's attempting his comeback. Out of college he was supposed to be an electric, if undersized, slot receiver who could have major impact on a game. If Hamler can regain even part of his former self, he may well be able to crack the fringes of this roster.

Lawrence Keys - 5'11 - 170lbs

An undersized kick returner and receiver, Keys is an undrafted rookie who could well burn the barn with his speed. Unfortunately, there's little room on the team above him for his skillset, and he has yet to show in-person what he seemed capable of in college.

Xavier Johnson - 6'1 - 210lbs

An undrafted rookie, Johnson offers much as a gunner on special teams, but little in terms of production at WR. His place on this roster is more than likely as a camp body and possible emergency specialist for the regular season. Getting him on the practice squad is highly likely.

Bryan Thompson - 6'1 - 195lbs

Thompson came out of the 2023 NFL draft unselected, but had the tools to make something of his game. He has yet to show that growth, but his time on the practice squad last season gave him the opportunity to prove himself again.