Should the Buffalo Bills bank on the 2022 fifth-round receiver’s breakout season?

The Buffalo Bills have plenty of targets to deal with in 2024.

With WR1 Stefon Diggs and WR2 Gabe Davis no longer on board, there is a significant opportunity for a receiver to step up and claim top dawg status. Diggs and Davis have been targeted a combined 241 times on passing plays in 2023.

Pro Football Focus suggests that 2022 fifth-round pick Khalil Shakir could be “the guy” this upcoming season. Identifying a candidate for each of the 16 AFC teams, PFF landed on Shakir for the Bills.

From PFF Candidates for the 16 AFC teams:

“The Bills receiving corps will look drastically different in 2024, and without a clear WR1, Shakir could emerge as Josh Allen’s top option. Shakir had a strong Year 2, producing a 76.9 receiving grade and receiving rate. 2% dropout Additionally, Shakir saw jumps in both yards after catch per reception and yards per route run. The former fifth-round pick should only develop further during his third campaign. .

Shakir, 24, has shown flashes of brilliance while receiving a modest goal share in his first two professional seasons. He played a significant role in appearing in every game in 2023, catching 39 of 46 targets for 611 yards and two touchdowns.

After a 105-yard performance in the regular season finale at Miami, Shakir caught touchdown passes in both of Buffalo’s playoff games. He outplayed Diggs down the stretch, even though he received half of many targets. Over the last 10 games, including the playoffs, Shakir has outscored Diggs by a margin of 462-422. During that span, Diggs held an 80-37 advantage in targets.

As a rookie, Shakir averaged 16.7 yards per catch while securing 10 of 20 targets, including a touchdown pass.