Bills 2023 Predictions: Khalil Shakir Future No. 2 WR?
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Even with one of the rowdiest fan bases in the league at their backs while being blanketed with Orchard Park snow, the Buffalo Bills saw their season come to an anticlimactic end when the offense went invisible in the 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Divisional.
But when things were clicking this past season, everyone was getting involved. This wasn't exactly the case for fifth-round rookie receiver Khalil Shakir, but he flashed what he was capable of at the end of the season.
This was enough for Sports Illustrated to put Shakir as the focus for the Bills' most notable 2023 prediction. SI sees Shakir as the answer at the No. 2 receiver spot behind Stefon Diggs, predicting he'll rise to that role next season while showing his star-like qualities in the process.
“I know he’s a rookie, but we’ve got a lot of faith in him," Bills quarterback Josh Allen said of Shakir after the AFC Wild Card win over the Miami Dolphins.
"We got a lot of trust in him," coach Sean McDermott said. "He's got good hands, he's a good football player."
Here's what SI had to say:
Prediction: Khalil Shakir will emerge as a legitimate No. 2 receiver with long-term No. 1 upside.
The fifth-round pick out of Boise State was most heavily utilized down the stretch this year and showed an ability to be where Josh Allen needed him to be. With a full offseason under his belt, Shakir will supplant Gabriel Davis, who will be a free agent in 2024.
Including postseason, Shakir totaled 15 catches for 252 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. The low production is understandable, as he was growing into own as a fifth-round pick.
But considering he has the stamp of approval from both Allen and McDermott, it could be only a matter of time before Shakir starts to break out next season.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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