Linebacker 40 Yard Dash: Does It Matter? A Comprehensive Analysis
12/21/2024
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For part 37 of our “Does It Matter?” series, we attempted to find whether a linebacker’s 40-yard dash time can predict their
In an offseason full of twists and surprises, the Buffalo Bills made headlines with the departure of two key components of their aerial attack: Gabe Davis and Stefon Diggs. Their exit has left many in the Bills Mafia and NFL community questioning the effectiveness of the Bills’s wide receiver corps. However, these concerns may be premature, with many reasons for optimism.
Foremost in the Bills’ wide receiver arsenal is the emerging talent of Kalil Shakir. Shakir is a player who began to etch his mark in the latter part of last season. Notably, Shakir came alive with over 100 yards in two of the Bills’ final seven regular-season games. Shakir showed his ability to step up when called upon. Beyond these standout performances, reliability was the name of the game for Shakir. He provided reliability across the other five contests, catching 11 of his 15 targets for 143 yards. Of the 4 targets that didn’t result in a catch, none were drops. This short surge bodes well for Shakir’s readiness to shoulder more responsibility next season.
Adding an intriguing layer to the Bills’ wide receiver depth is Justin Shorter. While perhaps not yet a household one, holds a significant upside. BrainyBallers has already spotlighted Shorter as a “Penny Stock Player,” hinting at his potential to yield substantial returns on a small investment. His blend of size and athleticism presents a unique asset for Buffalo. Further, one that could very well see him evolve into a key piece of the offensive puzzle. Shorter’s untapped potential and room for growth make him a prime candidate to surprise many this coming season. The Bills trading away 2 top household names and elevating Shorter on their depth chart also speaks volumes to them trusting in their depth at WR.
Additionally, the Bills’ strategic positioning in the upcoming draft further relieves concerns regarding their wide receiver corps. Holding picks at overall numbers 28 and 60, Buffalo finds itself in an enviable spot in a draft class lauded for its depth at the wide receiver position. This affords the Bills an opportunity to bolster their already promising receiving group.
The collective potential of Shakir and Shorter forms a solid foundation for the team’s next chapter. While the departures of Davis and Diggs are significant, they present an opportunity for growth and evolution within the ranks. The ability of Shakir to step up in critical moments, coupled with the latent potential of Shorter and the opportunity to strengthen through the draft, suggests that the Bills’ wide receiver room may just be on the brink of a transformative leap.
As the new season approaches, the narrative surrounding Buffalo’s receiving corps will unfold further. However, one thing is clear: counting out the Bills’ wide receivers based on perceived current voids could be a premature misjudgment. With the right mix of emerging talent and strategic acquisitions, Buffalo’s passing game aims to remain a formidable force in the NFL.
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