Shakir plays like the No. 1 wide receiver

Buffalo, NY (WGR Sports Radio 550) – When the Buffalo Bills traded Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans in the offseason, the biggest question surrounding the team was: “Who will replace him as Josh Allen's favorite target?” Would the Bills be able to succeed on offense without him?”

After three games, Khalil Shakir begins to answer these questions.

The Bills have the motto “Everyone eats,” which, by the way, is nothing new for them.

Four years ago, under Diggs' leadership, the Bills set the record for the number of different players to catch a touchdown in a season.

Within their “everyone eats” concept, no matter how much PR stuffing, Shakir undoubtedly looks like their top wideout. In fact, Shakir plays like one of the best wideouts in the NFL.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Shakir is No. 1 in the league in receiving EPA through three weeks of the NFL season.

Shakir is currently on a streak of 27 consecutive catches, tying Michael Thomas for the all-time NFL record as a wide receiver. He is also just two receptions behind former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas for the NFL record regardless of position.

Shakir is currently the 10th best player in the NFL in yards per route. The five names directly behind him? Malik Nabers, DK Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb.

When looking at Shakir's box score numbers, keep in mind that he hasn't had to play in any second half in the last two games, whether it's just 14 goals and receptions or 168 receiving yards.

The Bills were so far ahead of the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars at halftime that they were practically working to run out the clock in the second half. Even during the few snaps Shakir was on the field, the Bills didn't throw the ball.

Shakir basically has 14 scores, 14 catches and 168 yards in two games, not three.

This week, former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman had some comments that sparked a thought in my mind:

What Edelman doesn't mention is that not too long after Tom Brady lost Wes Welker and had to “recalibrate,” Brady threw over 150 times to Edelman three times. That's one of the highest target rates in the NFL over a five-year period.

Basically what happened in New England was that Welker left, Brady recalibrated, threw to everyone, and when he realized Edelman was the best of the bunch, he joined.

This could be what's happening to Allen right now. Diggs has been his most trusted target for four years, and what we're seeing so far this season
Allen finds out who he can trust the most.

This player is looking more and more like Shakir.

Don't be surprised if we see Shakir get 100+ seasons and eventually a new big contract within the next 20 months.

He deserves that kind of projection.