Summary

Khalil Shakir was selected in Round 5 (#148 Overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Boise State University. A highly productive collegiate receiver, Shakir finished his college career with 208 receptions, 2,878 yards, and 20 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors (2021) and establishing himself as one of the most reliable and versatile playmakers in the conference. In the NFL, Shakir has steadily developed into a trusted rotational receiver and slot weapon for Buffalo. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 100+ receptions, 1,200+ receiving yards, and multiple touchdowns, while consistently posting high catch efficiency and situational reliability. Shakir is widely regarded as a high-character, intelligent, and team-first professional, praised by coaches for preparation, consistency, versatility, and willingness to contribute in any role asked of him.

Strengths

• Glue Hands: Strong hands with a high catch rate and minimal drops (9.79 Catching Score in 2025). Comfortable working near the sideline and in traffic.

• Route Technician: Understands leverage, spacing, and timing in zone coverage. Processes coverage quickly and adjusts routes instinctively.

• Security Blanket: Quick, decisive runner who maximizes yards in space. Trusted chain mover in critical situations.

• Slot Machine: Effective inside and on motion-based concepts. Plays tough and constantly takes his medicine absorbing big hits across the middle of the field.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Lacks true vertical burner speed. More efficient than dynamic as a field stretcher.

• Size & Catch Radius: Smaller frame limits margin on contested throws. Relies on route execution rather than physical mismatch.

• Press Coverage Outside: Best work comes from off-alignment or slot.

• Volume Ceiling: Best utilized as a complementary target rather than focal point. With a below-average Measurables score (4.84), his Analytics Score potential is somewhat capped.

Outlook

Shakir is an excellent fit for Buffalo’s timing-based, spread passing offense, particularly in roles that emphasize option routes, motion, and spacing concepts. He thrives as a slot receiver and secondary option, where his intelligence and reliability help quarterbacks stay on schedule and avoid negative plays. Shakir’s skill set complements vertical threats by consistently winning underneath and in intermediate zones. Looking ahead, Shakir projects as a high-floor WR3/WR4 with situational WR2 value, capable of steady production and clutch execution. While he may not profile as a traditional alpha receiver, his hands, football IQ, and versatility give him long-term roster value. In a Bills offense built around efficiency and matchup stress, Shakir remains a trusted, winning-role contributor who enhances overall offensive consistency.