Buffalo Bills third-year wide receiver chosen as 2024 prospect

As the 2023 season progressed, the Bills Khalil Shakir gradually saw his snap share increase from week to week. When the season opened, Shakir only had a ten percent share of the snaps; however, each subsequent week his snaps increased until week eight, reaching a season-high 65.2 percent. From that point on, he only dipped below 60 percent twice, and those were the two games where Allen had the fewest pass attempts all season.

You also saw a significant increase in the number of targets he was receiving. Through the first six games of the 2023 season, Shakir has only been targeted five times. Starting in week seven, he received 40 targets, totaling a season-high and career-high 39 receptions, 611 yards, and two touchdowns. He also had a strong playoff run, making 10 receptions on 12 targets for 75 yards and two more touchdowns.

Shakir is a rising star as the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2024 season. Fans and analysts are excited about his potential for a breakout year, with myself included predicting he would record over 100 receptions in a recent episode of our podcast. It’s true though, research the candidates in small groups, and several articles will appear in various media outlets and pundits predicting that Shakir will have a big season.

Dan Pizzuta, an NFL analyst with the 33rd team, thinks Shakir will have a big year. According to Pizzuta, “Shakir has the traits to win away; he simply hasn’t been asked to do so in his two seasons in the NFL. If he can win consistently there, Shakir could emerge as a high-volume target for a Buffalo offense that desperately needs one.”

Pro Football Focus agrees, adding “Shakir had a good Year 2, producing a 76.9 receiving grade and a 2% drop rate. Additionally, Shakir saw jumps in both yards after l ‘catch per reception and yards per route run.’ Add in the fact that no receiver in the league in 2023 had a better catch rate than Shakir, and it’s easy to see why so many people, myself included, think Shakir has what it takes to become the Josh Allen’s number one in Buffalo.