Summary

Khalil Shakir was drafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Round 5, (pick 148) out of Boise State. Shakir is a multi-positional wide receiver with a nice combination of route-running polish, after-catch prowess, and versatility within an offensive scheme. He may not stand out purely on size or pure speed compared to the elite boundary receivers, but his strengths come in his ability to make plays, adjust in space, and contribute as a reliable target in traffic. He’s grown steadily from a developmental fifth-round pick into a trusted component of the Bills’ receiving corps.

He fits especially well as a slot or “Z” receiver who can move around, create mismatches, exploit intermediate and screen concepts, and maximize yards after the catch. If asked to be a full-time top outside receiver handling press coverage and deep threats consistently, the profile suggests some limitations.

Strengths

• Versatility & alignment flexibility: Shakir lined up at multiple receiver spots in college (slot, outside, even motions) and the Bills have used him similarly. SI

• Route-running and body control: Scouts note that Shakir “wins with body control, core strength and quickness” in his routes, and that he stays friendly to the quarterback post-break. Bleacher Report

• Strong after-the-catch (YAC) ability: He shows good vision, balance, the ability to make defenders miss, and to generate yards after the catch. Bleacher Report

• Reliable catching in traffic: Film notes show him making catches in traffic, elevating to get the ball, and not giving up on the play when tackled. Buffalo Rumblings

• Improving production and trusted role: In 2024 he led his team in receiving yards (821) and secured a contract extension. CBS Sports

Weaknesses

• Average physical profile / size limitations: He is somewhat undersized for a prototypical outside WR and lacks elite long speed/explosiveness according to multiple scouts. SI

• Press-coverage and separation concerns: His lack of elite burst and top-end speed can limit his ability to separate against top tier cornerbacks, especially off the line in press. NFL Draft Buzz

• Drops and concentration lapses: Some reports flagged that he had “unfortunate lapses in concentration” which resulted in more drops than expected for his production level. NFL Draft Buzz

• Role ceiling / outside dominance unproven: While highly effective in the slot and intermediate levels, his ability to dominate consistently on the outside or in deep vertical threats is less established. Bleacher Report

Fit & Outlook

In Buffalo’s offense — which values motion, shifting alignments, creative route concepts and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers — Shakir fits quite well. His versatility allows the Bills to deploy him in multiple spots, keep defenses off balance, and take advantage of his YAC ability. The fact that the team extended him shows they believe in his fit and value.

• Short-Term: Expect Shakir to continue as a key receiving option, likely as a secondary or tertiary target but with substantial volume and opportunity. He may see increased snaps from outside and slot, especially in sub-packages tailored to his strengths.

• Medium-Term: If he continues to polish his separation, improve on contested catches, and stay healthy, he may move into true WR2 territory with WR1 upside in favorable matchups.

• Risks: His physical limitations, role competition (with other receivers on the roster), and potential for injury (he has had some ankle/high-leg sprain concerns) could limit his ceiling. Reuters

• Ceiling: A high-end complementary receiver who could be a consistent threat in the offense, possibly approaching WR1 status in the right system.

• Floor: A very good WR2/slot specialist who provides dependable play but not necessarily the dominant outside superstar.