‘Very good connection’: Former Boise State receiver is impressing a top NFL quarterback
Boise State fans are accustomed to watching former Broncos do well in the NFL.
There’s 2023 draft pick Scott Matlock, who’s gained attention this season for his ability to play both fullback and defensive end as a starter for the Los Angeles Chargers — and he even appeared in a CBS commercial alongside Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates.
There’s 2019 draft pick Alexander Mattison, who became a starter in Minnesota, fell out of favor there and now has rejuvenated his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he has four touchdowns and nearly 600 yards of offense in the past nine games.
Running back Jeremy McNichols has popped up on Washington Commanders highlights this season, with four rushing TDs.
In Dallas, former Bronco Leighton Vander Esch famously was an All-Pro player as a rookie for the Cowboys in 2018, when he had 140 tackles, but injuries forced him to hang up his cleats earlier this year. Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (injured this season) has been a stalwart for years with the Cowboys, including making the Pro Bowl.
Guys like linebacker Shea McClellin, running back Jay Ajayi, and offensive linemen Ryan Clady and Matt Paradis have Super Bowl rings, and Ajayi and Clady made Pro Bowls.
But at the wide receiver position, Boise State has not had anyone make a big splash. Until this season.
That honor belongs to Buffalo’s Khalil Shakir, who has become such a reliable target for star quarterback Josh Allen, NFL announcers love talking about how Shakir rarely drops a pass.
The Bills selected Shakir in the 5th round of the 2022 NFL Draft after he accumulated 2,878 receiving yards over four years at Boise State, ranking fourth in program history for career yardage. His time with the Broncos featured highlight-reel catches that he made look easy, and he had 77 catches for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns his final season.
He had a quiet rookie year in the NFL before nailing down a regular spot in the receiver rotation last year. In 2024, after the Bills lost Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, it became Shakir’s time to step up, and he has.
In becoming the favorite target for MVP favorite Allen, Shakir has grown his role in a top-notch offense. His 65 receptions are tied with Tyreek Hill of Miami for 15th in the NFL, and he leads Buffalo (10-3) in receiving yards (735), while also grabbing three touchdown passes.
Shakir, who had eight catches for 106 yards last weekend vs. the Rams — his second 100-yard game of the season and the fourth of his career — also is third in the NFL for yards after contact or reception (533). The only players ahead of him are Cincinnati Bengals superstar Ja’Marr Chase (620) and Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (546).
Shakir enjoyed his best game of the season in late October against the Seattle Seahawks, racking up 107 yards by catching nine of 10 targets. He had a 51-yard touchdown play as part of his effort last weekend, catching the ball around midfield and using his speed to avoid defensive backs, and then his power to break a couple of tackles just inside the 10 to score.
But what sets Shakir apart, and what broadcasters love to talk about — including none other than the legendary Tom Brady — is his drop rate. “You can’t lose track of him,” Brady said last week while calling the game against the Rams. “... When Josh finds him, yeah, he’s pretty sure the ball won’t hit the ground.”
On his 66 catchable balls this season, Shakir has dropped just one, according to analytics from Fantasypros. He’s helped the Bills to another AFC East division title, their fifth in a row.
“He’s always in the right spot; he’s where he’s supposed to be at all times,” Allen said during a press conference after the Seattle game. “He works extremely hard. We just have a very good connection when we’re out there. I understand where he’s going, he gives me good body language and he does a good job of catching the ball.”
Shakir was part of the Boise State team that beat Hawaii 31-10 to win the 2019 Mountain West championship and end the regular season 11-1. He caught seven passes for 89 yards in that game, and had a rushing touchdown to go along with a receiving TD.
The 6-foot, 190-pound receiver had 10 100-yard games in college, and was an All-Mountain West first-team selection in both 2020 and ‘21.
This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 4:00 AM.
