The only hurdle standing between Davis and NFL stardom is opportunity. And he’ll have plenty of that in 2022.
Last season, Davis was looking up at three receivers ahead of him on Buffalo’s depth chart. This season, Stefon Diggs, the clear-cut WR1, is back. Veterans Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders, however, are not.
Well, what does that mean for Davis?
Buffalo did re-sign Isaiah McKenzie and added former Jets receiver Jamison Crowder. Both McKenzie and Crowder project to play meaningful roles in Buffalo’s air attack. However, make no mistake about it, — when looking at their 2022 depth chart — it’s Davis listed at WR2 for this team.
In a season where Buffalo is very much in the Super Bowl or Bust conversation, expectations are high for Davis.
It’s not his regular season numbers in 2021 which has sports media outlets ,like CBS Sports, paying close attention.
“Who didn’t like what this kid put on film in the playoffs? How about putting up over 200 yards and four touchdowns against the Chiefs? That will go a long way to building up more currency and volume in targets from Josh Allen. You cannot defend everyone in this offense and Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders moving on should work in his favor, too. Davis looks like the No. 2 receiver to me, someone who can make strides on the outside and is more than a one-game wonder.“
Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports
In a 42-36 playoff loss at Kansas City, Davis caught eight passes for 201 yards and four touchdowns.
The casual NFL observer may or may not remember what Davis did in the playoffs last year, but Bills Mafia certainly does.
And so do the Kansas City Chiefs. Moreover, any other team projected to contend this year for a championship.
We don’t need Sophia Petrillo from Golden Girls for this one, but let’s do it anyway.
Picture it: Buffalo, with Davis, NFL season 2022.
There’s quarterback Josh Allen dropping back to throw and going through his progressions. He has Diggs — his top playmaker — in his sights. But with Diggs covered, Allen goes through his progressions.
And there he is, at 6-2, 210 pounds, it’s Davis running his route with precision and using his speed to get open for a big play.
It might be enough to move the chains for a first down. It might be big play downfield of 20 yards or more. Davis has the potential to become a gamebreaker.
With the dangerous Diggs firmly entrenched as the team’s number one wideout, opposing defenses will have to scheme carefully whereas not to give him so much attention they forget about Davis.
Buffalo’s offense is loaded, just as it was last year. For Davis, the playoffs gave the rest of the league of preview of what he can do when the ball comes his way.
There’s no Sanders or Beasley ahead of him on the depth chart. There is, however, plenty of opportunity.
In the pick your poison type of offense, Buffalo projects to have, a breakthrough season is a realistic expectation for Davis.
Anthony Rushing is on Twitter @TonyRushingNY
Baseline Sports NY is on Twitter @Baseline_NY
