5 candidates to watch in 2024

The Buffalo Bills are not without several candidates this year. With so many new faces and unknowns surrounding the unit, it makes sense to believe someone is escaping, right? Please do not misunderstand what this list means or my intention. I’m not saying all five guys on my list are going to break out or even that any of them will, but I think these are the five that have the potential to do so and most likely. Additionally, when you talk about offensive players, the first thought immediately goes to skill position players, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends and quarterback. The term “skill position” is a slap in the face to any offensive lineman. They also have skills and I challenge anyone to try and do the work they do. I had to add one to my list.

The Bills are banking on one or two of these guys breaking out this season, and they don’t need to be on this roster either. If it’s someone else who stands up, that’s fantastic. The Bills offense will be fine regardless with Josh Allen behind center, but they’ll need someone to be their go-to guy, someone they can count on to be where they’re supposed to be. Buffalo will likely run the ball a bit more this season, similar to what we saw throughout the second half of last season, so that should also allow for someone to break out in the running game, but who could it be? Let’s go.

Khalil Shakir – WR

Khalil Shakir has been a fan favorite since his mini-breakout sophomore season last year. Starting in week one, his share of snaps gradually increased, then in week seven he received four targets in the passing game, turning all four into receptions, and he continued to play significant snaps at from this moment. He finished the year with 45 receptions, 611 yards and two touchdowns. Added ten more receptions, 75 yards and two scores in two playoff games. Shakir has the opportunity to become Allen’s number one, become a household name outside of the Bills fan base and put together a true breakout season.