Since selecting quarterback Josh Allen in the 2018 draft, the Buffalo Bills have been a regular in the NFL playoffs. They’ve made it to the AFC Championship game in each of the last five seasons, including the 2020-21 season. Despite their sustained success, the Bills have yet to make the Super Bowl during Allen’s tenure in Buffalo. They have been eliminated from all five postseason runs, three times by the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a disheartening one-sided rivalry that could escalate this season.
During the offseason, the Bills moved top wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, a much-anticipated move. They also lost Gabe Davis, their WR2, when he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite a renovated pass-catching room, the goal of reaching the Super Bowl remains same. The concern is whether this receiving corps is capable of traveling there. Khalil Shakir
Despite being drafted in 2022, Khalil Shakir, 24, is Allen’s most familiar target among receivers. The former fifth-round pick stood out in the playoffs last season, with a workload equivalent to the top two targets. Shakir will now play a more important role in the offense throughout the season, despite having only 49 career receptions. He’s demonstrated his ability to step up in critical situations, but consistency will be the most important component in his potential as Buffalo’s top receiver.
Shakir, who is only six feet tall, is not well-known for his physical abilities. He operates best in the slot, as did one of Buffalo’s most recent arrivals. Curtis Samuel The Bills signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel in the summer, hoping to add a seasoned presence to their roster. The former Ohio State Buckeye isn’t a standout, but he’s a steady option in the slot.
Samuel, 27, has at least 600 receiving yards in four of his last five seasons. He began his career in Carolina for four years before joining the Washington Commanders for the final three seasons. Samuel, now a Bills player, will play an interesting role considering his and Shakir’s comparable play styles. If they can make it work, it will be Samuel’s finest shot for team success so far in his career. Keon Coleman
Keon Coleman, a rookie, will take on an entirely different position than Shakir and Samuel. The Florida State prospect stands 6-foot-3 and is noted for his jump ball skills. Given Allen’s proclivity to fling the ball down the field, he and Coleman, 21, appear to be a perfect match. The Bills appear to agree, as they selected him with the No. 33 overall choice in the April draft. In a receiver-rich draft class, it’s difficult to argue that anyone was better at going up and getting the ball than Coleman. Throughout his college career, he also shown top speed.
Coleman is a true all-around player, as evidenced by his punt returns at Florida State. If he and Allen can quickly connect, he might have a significant influence in year one. Worth noting. The Bills also have two talented tight ends in Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. In addition, they added Chase Claypool, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Mack Hollins to the depth chart at receiver.
All of these guys should receive at least a half-decent snap share, giving Allen a variety of targets to pass to. It would be unwise to underestimate Buffalo’s receiving corps this season, especially given the Chiefs’ most recent Super Bowl victory.
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