Khalil Shakir, Bills rookie class shine vs. Colts in preseason opener (Stock up, stock down)

As the old saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression.

It was just one game, but the majority of the Buffalo Bills’ 2022 rookie class made quite the impression in their preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts. From first round pick Kaiir Elam to seventh round selection Baylon Spector, most of Buffalo’s rookie class made plays when called upon on Saturday afternoon.

It wasn’t just rookies who stood out for the Bills. Some veterans continued their strong play from training camp and a few players who entered the game on the roster bubble may be on the right side of things after Saturday’s game.

Following the Bills’ last second 27-24 win over the Colts, here are the players who helped or hurt their stock the most.

STOCK UP

Bills rookie class

It was a promising start for the Bills’ 2022 rookie class. While the class was impressive from top to bottom, the day three picks had the best performances among the group.

Fifth round pick Khalil Shakir continues to look like an absolute steal for Buffalo. The fifth round pick was the talk of training camp for his route running, knowledge of the playbook and great hands. His strong play continued on Saturday afternoon.

Shakir was targeted five times in the game and he hauled in every pass for 92 yards. Despite having plenty of talent in front of him, Shakir could force his way onto the field sooner rather than later.

Buffalo’s two sixth round picks and their last selection also made an impact for the team.

Matt Araiza came on late in the first half with the team needing to punt inside their own 20. All the rookie did was uncork an 82 yard punt. Big leg confirmed. Araiza also performed well as Tyler Bass’ holder. He was 3-for-3 on holds including Tyler Bass’ game winner.

Christian Benford, the second of Buffalo’s three sixth round picks in 2022, looked terrific against the Colts’ starting receivers and second team players. The small-school cornerback made a good play in run defense and had a pass defensed on a 4th down play. Benford was so good in his debut that at least one GM wondered if he would make Buffalo’s roster.

Seventh round pick Baylon Spector also deserves plenty of praise. One scouting report said the linebacker played like his hair was on fire. It’s hard to disagree based on his debut. Spector was flying all over the field in run support and against the pass. He finished the game with 10 total tackles and one pass defensed. The linebacker also recorded a sack in the game but it was wiped away by a penalty.

Some early draft picks also stood out in a positive light.

First round pick Kaiir Elam had sticky coverage against the Colts’ starters and finished with two tackles and one pass defensed. He did draw a penalty, but there were more positive than negatives for the cornerback.

Terrel Bernard recorded a scoop and score touchdown for Buffalo following a strip sack. He was beaten in coverage on one play, but the linebacker made a big play when the offense struggled.

Zack Moss

Entering his third season, there were questions as to whether or not Zack Moss’ roster spot was safe. The former third round pick responded with a strong training camp. That carried over to the preseason opener on Saturday.

Moss was running with confidence when given the ball early in the game. He ran three times for 37 yards. The running back was coming off of a serious injury in 2021, but looks healthy and determined to make an impact on a loaded Bills roster.

Cam Lewis

The Bills are going to have some tough decision at cornerback. Former UB product Cam Lewis, battling for one of the final defensive back spots, had a strong game against the Colts. He came in on a cornerback blitz and recorded a tackle for loss on a run play in the game. He also had terrific coverage to create a turnover on downs.

Mike Love

There doesn’t seem to be any room for Mike Love on the Bills’ 53-man roster, but he could have solidified his odds of once again landing on the team’s practice squad. Love recorded two sacks in the win over the Colts.

Boogie Basham

Terrel Bernard’s scoop and score TD was a result of a Boogie Basham strip sack. Von Miller and Ed Oliver are expected to disrupt opposing QBs this season, but if another pass rusher can step up the Bills’ defensive front could be a legitimate nightmare. Basham stepped up against the Colts.

Duke Johnson & Raheem Blackshear

Duke Johnson seems like the odd man out in the running back room but he was impactful for the team in their preseason debut. Johnson had a kick return of 43 yards and added a two point conversion late.

Raheem Blackshear, an UDFA, found the end zone twice on the ground while adding 60 yards receiving.

Jaquan Johnson

Buffalo’s reserve safety made a big play early in run support on a third down play near the end zone. He slowed Nyheim Hines down and helped keep the running back out of the end zone. Later in the game, Johnson added an interception. Buffalo’s safety depth is strong.

Isaiah Hodgins

Isaiah Hodgins, like Zack Moss, stayed healthy this summer and enjoyed his best training camp to date. In his 2022 preseason debut, Hodgins showed that he could be counted upon as a pass catcher. Hodgins finished the win with 77 yards receiving on nine receptions.

STOCK DOWN

Case Keenum

It was just one game, but Case Keenum did not do himself any favors in his Bills debut. The veteran quarterback was inaccurate throwing the ball all game. Many of his passes were high or led to his receivers having to make adjustments on passes. He finished the game with two interceptions and one lost fumble.

Keenum did not have any of the Bills’ first team weapons on offense, was playing behind a reserve offensive line and went against the Colts’ first team defense, but the QB had a game to forget. The veteran needs to be much better in the team’s final two preseason games.

Jake Kumerow

Jake Kumerow had a quiet training camp, but entered the preseason as the favorite for the final wide receiver spot due to his special teams play.

On Saturday, Kumerow recorded two receptions for 20 yards. On his first reception, Kumerow coughed up the ball. It was a costly mistake for the veteran receiver.

Between Kumerow’s performance and Hodgins’ strong play, there is reason to believe that this is a legitimate competition.

Luke Tenuta

One rookie who struggled against the Colts was Luke Tenuta. The day three pick was not able to get out in front of a play on a run and later found himself beaten by Kameron Cline. Cline would get to Keenum and create a turnover on a strip sack.

READ MORE

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