Bills’ best pick in the 2022 NFL Draft
Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State (Round 5, No. 148)
I thought about Florida’s Kaiir Elam, with the team’s hole at No. 2 cornerback. He’s physical and speedy. I also thought about Georgia’s James Cook, considering the Bills’ need for a steady running back. I love the way he patiently finds a hole and hits it with good burst. But how could I pass on Shakir in the fifth round? He was my No. 102 prospect, but the talented route runner fell to Buffalo at No. 148. Adding him to a receiver group that already includes Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and Jamison Crowder is just smart team-building, and quarterback Josh Allen could turn him into a reliable starter in time.
Shakir works primarily out of the slot, but he can split out wide and even line up in the backfield. He often makes the first defender miss when he has the ball and reaches top speed (4.43 in the 40-yard dash) quickly. Shakir caught 77 passes for 1,117 yards last season and stood out at the Senior Bowl. The Bills got a potential steal on Day 3 here.
Buffalo was already a serious Super Bowl contender with its explosive offense, but that side of the ball definitely got even better at the draft.
Dane Brugler | The Athletic
Favorite pick: Khalil Shakir, WR, Boise State
Considered a borderline top-100 pick, Shakir slipped to the Bills in the fifth round and he should be an immediate contributor. He plays with outstanding gear-control to create pockets of separation, especially out of the slot where he can find open zones. Shakir will be tough to keep off the field and could share slot snaps with Jamison Crowder as a rookie.
Day 3 pick who could surprise: Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson
A former safety, Spector has some tweener traits, but he was a draftable prospect because of his instincts and athleticism. I was really impressed with his balanced movements to hold up in space and break down as a tackler. Spector will be a tough guy to cut in training camp.