Gabriel Davis puts on muscle ahead of potential breakout season

Davis now weighs 227 lbs as he tries to take advantage of an expanded role in the Bills offense

After intense work in the weight room, Gabriel Davis has added 17 pounds of muscle since last offseason, as he now weighs 227. The Bills will be getting a stronger, leaner, and more experienced Davis for the 2022-2023 season.

The Bills have him listed at 210 lbs, which isn’t close to the third-year WR’s current weight.

“He’s bigger, faster, stronger,” said Davis’ trainer, Bert Whigham, in a recent interview with Pro Football Talk. “He’s put on muscle. People say that’s too big, but he’s 23 years old. He’s just growing into his natural body. You’re going to see a big receiver.”

Whigham also revealed in the interview that Davis was playing at around 220 lbs at the end of last season. And, all Bills fans, even all NFL fans, know what kind of performance Davis put together at the end of last season.

January 23, 2022: the night that might have been the greatest playoff game in the history of the league, but also a game that put Davis’ name on the map throughout the league. It was the greatest game by a wide receiver in a very long time in the playoffs, as Davis put together 8 catches, 201 yards and 4 TDs.

In the Divisional Round game against the Chiefs, Davis set the playoff record for most receiving touchdowns in a single playoff game (4). It was truly a coming out party. Davis shined on the biggest stage and under the brightest lights.

With Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders both no longer on the Bills’ roster for 2022, Davis now has an increased role in the offense as the new WR2 opposite of Stefon Diggs. With this increased role and new opportunity, he is now doing his best to take advantage of it by preparing his body for the grueling NFL season. His trainer claims he hasn’t missed a single workout this offseason.

With the added strength, Davis should be seeing even more red zone looks in the offense. I see him as being a vital red zone target along with TE Dawson Knox. Also, Davis averages 16.4 yards per reception, so look for him to continue to serve as a threat deep down the field for Josh Allen and the offense.

Stat predictions
In terms of predictions for the kind of stats we could see from Davis this season, I think we will see a serious increase in touchdowns, yards, and receptions. Last year, he finished the regular season with 35 receptions on 63 targets, recording 549 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. With him now being clear-cut No. 2 option on the outside for the Bills, I see him recording around 55 receptions on 95 targets, with 1,050 yards and 11 touchdowns. I expect big things for Davis this season and for many years to come.