Buffalo Bills training camp kicks off one week from Wednesday. Leading up to what always feels like the start of football season, we are breaking down all of the top headlines, including the guys fighting to round out the wide receiver group.
Last summer, wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie was one of the stars of camp, but the production didn't translate to the season, and now McKenzie is gone and another group of players are fighting for playing time behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis.
Let’s start with one of the returning players, Khalil Shakir, who’s going into his second season with the Bills. Shakir played in 14 games last season, starting two, and got better as the season went on. Josh Allen spoke highly of him during OTAs. Shakir should get a good look at getting the start in the slot during camp, but there is competition coming in from the outside.
The Bills added free agents Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty. Both players bring different skill sets that could help Allen and the rest of the offense out.
With Harty, the Bills are getting a dynamic playmaker in the 5’6,’’ 170-ponder who can line up anywhere across the formation. He missed most of last season after suffering a bad toe injury. Before that however, he was a player on his way up. In 2021, Harty had his best season despite dealing with some subpar quarterback play in New Orleans. He's also a former All-Pro kick returner, so he will provide a punch there.
Sherfield is coming off a career year with the Miami Dolphins on a “prove-it” deal. The 6’1,” 219-pounder has speed and something the Bills have lacked - the ability to gain yards after the catch. Add to that he's one of the better blocking WRs in the league. With Diggs missing most of the offseason work this spring, he also had plenty of time to get to know Allen.
The Bills also added Justin Shorter in the draft and others will fight to round out the receiver corp. Another player brought in to help is first round pick Dalton Kincaid.
We’ll take a look at the rookie tight end in our next Camp Countdown.
