Last season, there were big question marks over the Buffalo Bills' receiver room without a genuine No. 1 weapon as Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis were moved on.
With a receiver-by-committee approach, the Bills averaged a crisp 30.9 points per game and became one of the best offenses in football.
Slot merchant Khalil Shakir took it upon himself to be the default No. 1 and posted 821 yards and four touchdowns from 76 receptions (all career highs) as he led Buffalo in every key category except touchdowns.
But despite Shakir's continual improvement, Bleacher Report has named him as one of the most underrated receivers in football.
"Khalil Shakir was touted as one of the major steals of the 2022 draft after the Buffalo Bills snagged him on Day 3 that year, but it took some time for the receiver to start realizing his immense potential," Bleacher Report writes.
"Shakir should only get better with another offseason to prepare as the reigning MVP’s favorite weapon. Expect Shakir to finally slip the underrated label and break out as one of the NFL’s stars with his best effort yet in 2025."
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allencelebrates with WR Khalil Shakir (10) after scoring a touchdown in a 2025 AFC divisional-round game.
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allencelebrates with WR Khalil Shakir (10) after scoring a touchdown in a 2025 AFC divisional-round game.
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
In Khalil's three seasons, each year, he has improved, so perhaps 2025 is the year he will crack the famous 1,000-yard mark as a member of Joe Brady's offense.
Granted, as part of an offense that has a handful of quality receivers, that might be tough, but Shakir did it last season; there's nothing to suggest he can't do it again and better.
We think he is sneaking under the radar of defenses, but the more he continues to develop that connection with Josh Allen, the more attention he will receive.
And who knows, maybe the 2025 season is where Shakir takes that No. 1 receiver role, and finally ditches the "underrated" tag.