Who's our slot WR in 2023, Shakir or...?

[97bills]

8 hours ago, Hsker4life said:

In the limited time we saw Shakir, I was impressed. I don’t know what kept the coaches from playing him more though.

McDermott dose that too rookies, it doesn’t matter how good or bad you are. He has a blind loyalty to the veterans, and his thinking is if I play them over the rookies more will want to come to Buffalo, because they will start no matter how terrible they are. Or they can’t develop players… might be some truth to that too. 

[transient]

17 minutes ago, oldmanfan said:

Crowder in the slot.  Shakir as the deep threat.  And if we improve the O line then Davis should have more time to get open and be a true #2.

Gabe was open enough, he just proved he’s incapable of making a contested catch. I hope the Bills draft a 1b WR and push Gabe down the lineup where he was much better last season. They can then use Shakir and whomever else as the slot. Get someone dangerous to compliment Diggs and it makes it harder to cover everyone else down the roster. 

[GunnerBill]

8 hours ago, Hsker4life said:

In the limited time we saw Shakir, I was impressed. I don’t know what kept the coaches from playing him more though.

 

He played a fair amount. For a 5th round rookie to get almost a third of the offensive snaps is not insignificant. He struggled separating which limited his targets, especially early in the year. He did improve a little in that regard down the stretch. 

[harmonkillebrew]

Josh Downs

[NewEra]

5 hours ago, OldTimer1960 said:

Might Crowder return?  He has shown that he can play and be productive- injury derailed last season.  He has played a number of seasons, but think he is younger than Beasley.

I wouldn’t waste my time with him.  There’s a good chance he’ll get hurt again.  It’s what he does.

[Bongo]

How about Tank Dell. Saw good reports about him out of senior bowl. Was supposedly very hard to cover. 
 

Disclaimer: don’t watch much college so take with huge grain of salt.

[The Jokeman]

I'd love to sign Greg Dortch but don't think he's available as an UFA. Richie James could be a low cost guy that could contribute as he had a career year with Daboll and the Giants last year. Though we need size at WR so we could take someone in the first 3 Rounds that might be able to fill the role. 

[OldTimer1960]

31 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I wouldn’t waste my time with him.  There’s a good chance he’ll get hurt again.  It’s what he does.

Probably true, that is his track record.  I would not spend a lot for a middling FA WR on the open market.  If they have any FA $, try for decent IOL to compete with what I hope are 2 draft choices on the OL.  Hope for 2 OL in first 4 rounds, if value lines up.

[Haslett_Stomp]

1 hour ago, transient said:

Gabe was open enough, he just proved he’s incapable of making a contested catch. I hope the Bills draft a 1b WR and push Gabe down the lineup where he was much better last season. They can then use Shakir and whomever else as the slot. Get someone dangerous to compliment Diggs and it makes it harder to cover everyone else down the roster. 

 

Not sure what happened to Davis but the touchdown catch he had against Minkah Fitzpatrick in week 5 was about as contested as you can get.

[I'm Spartacus]

6 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

If they could rework Hunter Renfrow's contract he'd be someone I'd be interested in trading for if they don't think Shakir is the answer.

If they don't think Shakir is the answer, then why did they bother drafting the guy? We can't continue to swing and miss on draft picks! Can't afford to "experiment" on draft picks, and also not play they guy. Is our scouting staff suspect, or is it Beane?

[NewEra]

1 minute ago, I'm Spartacus said:

If they don't think Shakir is the answer, then why did they bother drafting the guy? We can't continue to swing and miss on draft picks! Can't afford to "experiment" on draft picks, and also not play they guy. Is our scouting staff suspect, or is it Beane?

That’s what the draft is…… I think you’re confused.  You draft a guy, thinking that they will be able to contribute.  Then it’s up to the coaches and the player to make that happen.  It often doesn’t work out that way.  It actually happens that way the majority of the time

Every draft pick is an experiment 

[LeGOATski]

Shakir looks like the real deal.

[T master]

I feel Bease would be our best bet not only in that he would be cheap but he is all about the team & he & Josh have a chemistry together then you add the fact that he would be a great mentor for Shakir & could pass on all that he has learned as far as getting separation .

 

You say you don't want him back because he is getting older not no dam 48 yrs old though that's just foolish but i'll bet 2 years ago when he was making some of those 98 receptions to most generally move the chains you were his biggest fan but i can only imagine what has changed your opinion of him .

 

Yes the Bills are need of some talented FA's that don't cost much due to the cap that can still perform at a high level & 1 IMHO is Bease because he knows the offense & will be that cheaper option with experience to pass on to who ever they may grab in this years draft .

[OldTimer1960]

9 minutes ago, I'm Spartacus said:

If they don't think Shakir is the answer, then why did they bother drafting the guy? We can't continue to swing and miss on draft picks! Can't afford to "experiment" on draft picks, and also not play they guy. Is our scouting staff suspect, or is it Beane?

Stop.  He was a 5th round pick…

[Florida Bills Fanatic]

I think Shakir will win the job but he could get pressed into use on the outside if Diggs or Davis miss any games.  I also believe that both Cook and Hines have the ability to play out of the slot, if needed.  Their flexibility can be used to create match up problems for defenses.  I don't think the Bills used them effectively last season.

I don't think McKenzie, Crowder or Beasley are the answers either.  We may also see a steady parade of UDFA receivers during training camp as they look for a guy they can develop.

 

Let's not forget that improving the o-line and run game will also improve the passing game.  Play action passing gives a big edge to receivers.

[Success]

Shakir for sure.

 

But I'd also keep Beasley.  He's such a gamer - he brings a toughness that we need.

 

[transient]

54 minutes ago, Haslett_Stomp said:

 

Not sure what happened to Davis but the touchdown catch he had against Minkah Fitzpatrick in week 5 was about as contested as you can get.

Incapable may have been too strongly worded. He doesn’t make them reliably enough, though. If he was 50/50 on 50/50 balls he should have caught the Bills offense looks a lot different down the stretch. 

[Spiderweb]

11 hours ago, NewEra said:

I hope it’s Shakir, but if we scoop up someone better, great.  

Dirty is gadget wr5-6.  Had his chance and didn’t deliver like we needed him to.  
 

wouldn’t be shocked to see Beasley back and getting some reps if we move on from Dirty entirely.  

 

really hope for an upgrade @ WR2. 

I think the time has come to depart ways with Dirty. IMHO he failed as a slot WR. He is miserable with contested throws. Shakir showed flashes of hands, routes, and surprisingly with YAC. We can hope he fits the bill.

[DCofNC]

Michael Thomas, 1 year, prove it deal.  Covers everything we need if healthy.  Big body WR, check.  Sure hands, check. Experience, check. Works the middle, Check.  Legit 1A to Steph, check.   That’s your solution, just gotta make it happen.  

[ngbills]

We are in trouble if we try the same approach at WR. Diggs and Davis, Shakir, McK just wont cut it or we are fighting to just make the playoffs.