Khalil Shakir impressing early at Bills camp

The fifth-round rookie WR turning heads to begin training camp

The reports out of Bills camp have been a mixed bag so far in terms of offensive success. The offensive unit struggled to find a rhythm for the first few days but picked it up on the fourth day as Josh Allen and company were on fire, specifically in red zone drills. One part of the Bills offense that has been a constant throughout the first week, however, is the play of rookie wide receiver Khalil Shakir. He’s been constantly creating separation, reeling in passes, and showing off some run after the catch ability. He also seems to constantly seek out ways to improve:

After the team’s second camp practice, Buffalo News reporter Mark Gaughan had Shakir’s performance as one of the top observations from the day, saying: “He showed good hands, plucking a pass out of the air from Keenum that was a tad behind him… Shakir showed a quick burst up the field on a run after the catch… he ran a good route down the right sideline, giving himself room to adjust to the outside, and hauled in a pass of about 25 yards.”

Stefon Diggs, one of the best route runners in the NFL, has been impressed with the rookie from Boise State. When asked about the play of Shakir, Diggs said, “He’s a professional…he’s been doing a good job so far.” If Shakir can learn anything from Diggs’ game, that’d be huge for his development and ability to play out wide, but he has the potential to play all over the field, as OC Ken Dorsey mentions here:

In the latest episode of ‘Buffalo Bills: Embedded’, GM Brandon Beane praised Shakir for having a well-rounded skillset and also the adaptability to fit into the culture at One Bills Drive. Beane said, “He’s Bills DNA through and through… a guy that can play inside, can play out…has some speed, has a little bit of run after the catch ability.”

Shakir has performed great through four days of training camp at St. John Fisher University, and with WRs Jamison Crowder and Jake Kumerow missing time due to soreness, it’s opened the window for him to showcase his many talents.

With a lack of any serious outside WR threats behind Diggs and Gabe Davis on the roster, and with the way Shakir has played thus far, perhaps he can slide into that depth role seamlessly. But, he also has the shiftiness to play inside at times, too, and also has some experience as a return man at Boise State. 

However it may be, the rookie is on track to forcing his way onto the field in some capacity for the 2022 regular season – whether that be outside on the boundary, inside in the slot, or on special teams. There’s a reason that experts thought he fell too far in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he’s proving them right so far. But even more so, he’s proving Beane and the Bills right.

Although, pads haven’t even been put on yet for a practice yet this summer, so let’s not label him a playmaker just yet. Let’s see how he plays on Saturday in the first padded practice and moving forward. But, his versatility, coachability, and adaptability have his stock rising in a star-studded offense, and earlier than most expected.