Bills add Shakir

The Bills added Boise State WR Khalil Shakir in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Shakir was a 4-year player and 3-year starter for the Broncos, capping his career with a 77-1,117-7 line last season. He ranked 10th among 251 WRs with 50+ targets in Pro Football Focus’ receiving grades. Shakir also added 414 yards and 4 TDs on 71 carries across his 4 college seasons. He played both outside the numbers and in the slot for Boise State but projects best inside in the pros. Shakir goes 6’0, 196 pounds with a 2nd percentile wingspan and 1st percentile arm length. He earned an 83rd percentile Relative Athletic Score at the Combine but doesn’t look like a high-end athlete on tape. Shakir figures to compete for #4 WR duties in Buffalo this season but could take over as QB Josh Allen’s slot receiver as early as 2023. WR Jamison Crowder is on a 1-year deal.

Bills beat writer Joe Buscaglia reports that WR Khalil Shakir is dealing with an injury. Details are unclear, but Buscaglia observed the rookie with a taped-up leg and speculated that it might be soft-tissue related. It’s “to be determined” whether or not Shakir will be ready for the upcoming OTA or minicamp in mid-June. Regardless, Shakir remains an intriguing dynasty stash and a redraft long-shot.

Bills beat writer Matt Parrino writes that WR Khalil Shakir’s first step has been “noticeably difficult to contend with” in rookie OTAs. The 5th-rounder was a sharp route runner coming out of Boise State. And he posted an elite 1.49-second 10-yard split at the Combine, so his short-area burst is clear. A crowded depth chart makes Shakir a redraft long-shot, but the team’s WR3 role could be his as soon as 2023. See where he landed in our post-draft dynasty rookie rankings.

The Bills traded up 20 spots -- sending a 6th-round pick to Chicago -- to grab Boise State WR Khalil Shakir in Round 5. "I really like that young man," GM Brandon Beane said. "He's tough, he's smart, he's versatile. And I think with the ball in his hands he's pretty good too." We were a bit surprised to see Shakir last until the 5th round. He was our 15th-ranked WR pre-draft. The 6'0, 196-pounder played both outside and in the slot in college but projects best as a slot in the NFL. WR Jamison Crowder is currently Buffalo's starting slot, but he's only signed for 2022. Check out our full scouting report on Shakir.