Shakir Set for Bills Breakout? 'So Consistent!'

The Buffalo Bills have plenty of question marks surrounding their season. They've got a ways to go before they can be strongly considered a Super Bowl contender, but most team's that find their way into becoming a legit contender have surprise players throughout their season. 

For the Bills, receiver Khalil Shakir could be just that player. The second-year pro was listed as a potential starting slot receiver for the team alongside Deonte Harty when the Bills revealed their first edition of the depth chart on Tuesday. With both players being listed, the position battle will be taken into the team's preseason matchups. 

Shakir will be able to show anything he may have picked up on in his rookie year. He finished last season with 14 games played and two starts, adding 10 catches for 161 yards on 20 targets and one touchdown in the regular season. However, he hit a different level in the postseason, totaling five catches for 91 yards in just two playoff games, accounting for over half of his production during the regular season.

If the Bills offense is going to be opened up, it'll be up to Gabe Davis as WR2 and whoever the third starting receiver is. If that player is Shakir, his ability out of the slot could be huge for the team. This could potentially put him in the territory of having a breakout season, and coach Sean McDermott has "loved" what he's seen.

"The thing I love about Khalil is he's so consistent from his personality to a performance standpoint," McDermott said Monday. "And you saw it in the stadium where people forgot about him and then he showed up. That's due to his consistency."

Shakir, when talking about training camp and the situation he's in, mentioned that "it's easier the second time around."

Isaiah McKenzie, who earned the same exact role for the Bills a season ago, has left the club and is with the Indianapolis Colts. This blows open the door for Shakir to take over the role and open up the field for Stefon Diggs and Davis. 

Trent Sherfield is the final obstacle for Shakir and his potential breakout season. He comes from the Miami Dolphins and provides some solid size for the squad. 

Between the addition of Dalton Kincaid and the help from Diggs and Davis, Shakir will be able to work in open space, which will allow for him to potentially play a big role in the team's season. A breakout season from him would mean plenty to a team that lacked in that specific department last season. 

He'll get a chance to continue proving himself on Saturday when the Bills host the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium for the preseason opener.