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Gabriel Davis is in a curious position on the Buffalo Bills roster. After the team signed Emmanuel Sanders this offseason, where did that leave the second-year pro’s status on the team?
While some speculate Sanders might’ve been a bad thing for Davis, Bleacher Report decided to raise the bar. B/R named Davis as Buffalo’s “X-factor” in 2021.
Here’s why:
The Buffalo Bills passing offense ranked second overall last season behind only the explosive Kansas City Chiefs. It can be even better this fall, particularly if second-year wide receiver Gabriel Davis continues to improve.
Davis’ seven touchdown receptions as a rookie finished second on the team and only one behind the league’s leading receiver, Stefon Diggs. Diggs believes the former fourth-round draft pick can continue to evolve, though.
“I tell him all the time now—’let me see it,'” Diggs told reporters. “‘Last year, you did play pretty well. You did have some success, but there’s a lot more football for you, and there’s a lot more you can obtain, a lot more things you can do better. So let me see that this next year, making that second-year jump.'”
The Bills’ top three receivers are set with Diggs and veterans Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders. Davis can show he’s more than a deep threat and transform Buffalo’s outstanding trio into a fearsome foursome.
The addition of Sanders almost immediately turned some attention to Davis. But B/R is right, this could actually be a good thing for him.
Now a bit more under the radar, the Bills now have a top-flight wideout with seven touchdowns last season as the No. 4 receiver on their offense. How many teams can say that?
Furthermore, Bills quarterback Josh Allen has had a knack for going through his progressions, specifically on the outside. Tight end Dawson Knox appears to be overlooked by the QB at times, which can benefit Davis.
The Bills also run tons of spread formations, which means there could be snaps to go around for Davis, regardless of Sanders’ addition.
And let’s not forget, Isaiah McKenzie, in some fashion, will likely find a role on Buffalo’s offense as well.
The playmakers around Allen should be scary for any opposing defense next season.
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