Will Gabe Davis ever challenge the #1 WR spot?

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

First off, please don't jump down my throat. It's just a random thought/question and not a preseason overreaction. This has been on my mind since the end of last season. 

 

When I watch Davis ball, he looks like a star in the making. The chemistry between him and Allen has been evident from the beginning. He's not the fastest guy, but and can stretch the field. He's also great in the Red zone coming in 3rd place of all rookies last year in TD receptions + is the best on the team at making those sideline catches (IMO.) Great measurables, sure handed, and versatile. What more can you ask for? My only concern is his lack of production in the playoffs specifically against KC when we needed someone to really step up. 

 

I don't wanna say I exactly "disappointed" that the Bills picked up Emmanuel Sanders, I know depth is never a bad thing, but I really wanted to see where his progression would lead to getting more targets. I feel he will eventually take that #2 (if he already hasn't) and become a 1B guy to Diggs. 

 

What do you guys think? 

[Warcodered]

He was injured going into the AFC Championship game. He's definitely developing well but that's hard to say very few actually reach that level.

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

2 minutes ago, Warcodered said:

He was injured going into the AFC Championship game. He's definitely developing well but that's hard to say very few actually reach that level.

 

To what extent? I can't remember what was exactly wrong w him in the AFCC. I looked up his stats and he only had 3 targets and 0 catches. 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

Spot on OP, have had similar musings—not too worried about Sanders elbowing Gabe out though, as it’s clear the Bills (Josh) will keep feeding him the ball and Sanders’ age makes this feel more like a James Lofton type signing that helps the team out in the short term, while Davis is solidly long term here. Future is definitely bright for this kid! 

[NickelCity]

I'll be very happy if he's our long term #2. It'd be such a boon if he took another step this year. 

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

1 minute ago, NoHuddleKelly12 said:

Spot on OP, have had similar musings—not too worried about Sanders elbowing Gabe out though, as it’s clear the Bills (Josh) will keep feeding him the ball and Sanders’ age makes this feel more like a James Lofton type signing that helps the team out in the short term, while Davis is solidly long term here. Future is definitely bright for this kid! 

 

It's definitely one of the better WR groups in the league. Each receiver has their own specific skill set which I think is great. Good comparison w/ Lofton. Sanders still has good burst out there and I'm honestly excited for both.

[Doc Brown]

Probably not because he'll likely be unable to separate consistently from most teams best corner.  He can develop into a great #2 though.

[purple haze]

7 minutes ago, Doc Brown said:

Probably not because he'll likely be unable to separate consistently from most teams best corner.  He can develop into a great #2 though.

Disagree.  Depends on his route running and ability to catch contested passes.  Michael Thomas ran slightly slower at the combine than Davis did and he’s a number one.   Davis is in a room full of great route runners to learn from, he has excellent hands and body control.  I could see him growing into a one.  But Diggs will be around for a while, health permitting, so it won’t be necessary.

[machine gun kelly]

Does it really matter what number he’s assigned and you don’t hear McD say #2, 3, or 4.  I’m not attempting to be disagreeable, just it kind of doesn’t matter.  Sports writers have a tendency to assign numbers to WR’s.

 

Davis is a heck of a good young WR.  Beane made an excellent choice in the 4th round.  I watched him at UCF as it’s on down here all the time.  He knows how to anticipate D Backs and counter on his routes.

[Freddie's Dead]

Davis was hobbled during the AFCCG, and couldn't get separation.  Beasley had a broken leg and Diggs was dinged up too.  Gabe's time will come, and he will produce.

[nucci]

how do you stretch the field?

[Chandler#81]

26 minutes ago, nucci said:

how do you stretch the field?

Well, ya gotta wet the field real good, then place heavy machinery along the sidelines with huge clamps attached. Then, on 3! everybody throw it in reverse and smash the accelerator.

[WhitewalkerInPhilly]

Short answer: not as long as Diggs is here.

 

Longer answer: I like what I've seen from him last year and thus far in preseason. He is a fantastic piece and I am happy to have him.  However, Right now he is probably the third or fourth best receiver on the team (Diggs and Beasley, it's been a toss up between him and Sanders) so the idea of seeing him compete for #1 seems premature. I don't think we have seen him able to take on a top flight CB and win, or handle double teams

 

That said, I do see him competing to be a very good #2 receiver. Do I like the idea of him one on one vs most teams #2 CB? Definitely. If the Bills are willing to move on from Beasley in 2022 (cap savings on a 33 year old slot WR) I would feel a whole lot better with Davis here.

[GunnerBill]

4 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

Probably not because he'll likely be unable to separate consistently from most teams best corner.  He can develop into a great #2 though.

 

This. I think he will be our consensus #2 by the end of this season. Can he be a #1? I am not yet sold that he can separate on that gotta have it play against a team's #1 corner. He has improved his separation since being here with some efficiencies in his footwork off the line but he isn't ready to go in that department yet.

[Rk_Bills86]

Davis reminds me of Moulds a little bit. Never going to wow you with pure speed, but has everything else and somehow manages to get leverage or behind DBs

[DCofNC]

He has everything you would want in a #1 and had a really good rookie season, I don’t see why he couldn’t be a #1.  Diggs is the Alpha right now, but there’s nothing stopping Davis from taking the other outside job and continuing to improve.

[billsbackto81]

Every Batman needs a Robin. 

 

I think Davis will be a solid WR in the league for years to come and I thought he showed enough to take the next step which was taking over for Brown. I like Sanders but didn't think he was needed and felt that money was better spent on a CB2. 

[Inigo Montoya]

Gabe Davis has been going to work everyday sitting in WR rooms learning from Stephon Diggs, John Brown, Cole Beasley, and Emmanuel Sanders.

 

Brian Daboll is his OC.

 

He has Josh Allen slinging him the rock.

 

There isn't a young WR in the NFL in a better situation than he is.  

 

 

Edited August 29, 2021 by Inigo Montoya

[Rochesterfan]

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

This. I think he will be our consensus #2 by the end of this season. Can he be a #1? I am not yet sold that he can separate on that gotta have it play against a team's #1 corner. He has improved his separation since being here with some efficiencies in his footwork off the line but he isn't ready to go in that department yet.

 

I think this is spot on.  My guess is this offense is going to look different throughout the year, but I anticipate a lot of Diggs, Davis on the outside and Sanders, Beasley on the inside forcing teams to try and cover 4 quick route runners. 
 

Davis will be the #2 which is his perfect role on this team.  He finds ways to get open downfield and just makes plays.

[Ya Digg?]

3 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

Well, ya gotta wet the field real good, then place heavy machinery along the sidelines with huge clamps attached. Then, on 3! everybody throw it in reverse and smash the accelerator.

Throwing it in reverse??  Everyone knows if you want to be a professional field stretcher you put the clamp on the back and go forward!!!

 

Amateur....

[Forward Progress]

He would be the #1 receiver on the 2018 Buffalo Bills.  😄

[without a drought]

This doesn't mean he can or can't,  but that TD yesterday sure looked like a classic Kelly to Reed TD. 

[MrSarcasm]

Gabe Davis=Peerless Price

 

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Diggs was a 5th round pick and many other super star WR have been drafted lower, stat wise Diggs rookie year wasn't much better than Davis, so anything is possible.

 

Also think Davis Beasley and Sanders will tend to more split the reps between #2 and slot with Sanders playing many snaps in both positions, thus allowing Davis then to play the #2 role.

 

Can see McKenzie's snaps as a WR decreasing IF he is the return guy.  Would they put him on the field the first play after returning a KO 35 yards, maybe not as often.  For similar reason could see them going with Stevenson as the return guy instead.  Think they'd get more out of both of them overall as return guy and WR than they did Roberts last 2 years.  The way Allen completes passes, less return yards is OK in lieu of better WR play.

[JerseyBills]

7 hours ago, ChronicAndKnuckles said:

First off, please don't jump down my throat. It's just a random thought/question and not a preseason overreaction. This has been on my mind since the end of last season. 

 

When I watch Davis ball, he looks like a star in the making. The chemistry between him and Allen has been evident from the beginning. He's not the fastest guy, but and can stretch the field. He's also great in the Red zone coming in 3rd place of all rookies last year in TD receptions + is the best on the team at making those sideline catches (IMO.) Great measurables, sure handed, and versatile. What more can you ask for? My only concern is his lack of production in the playoffs specifically against KC when we needed someone to really step up. 

 

I don't wanna say I exactly "disappointed" that the Bills picked up Emmanuel Sanders, I know depth is never a bad thing, but I really wanted to see where his progression would lead to getting more targets. I feel he will eventually take that #2 (if he already hasn't) and become a 1B guy to Diggs. 

 

What do you guys think? 

Not with Diggs here but I believe Stefon n Davante Adams are 1a 1b as far as the best in the game  

Davis looked phenomenal this pre season,  I love the way he uses his length to get the ball. I think he can definitely be an elite WR. I can see him being a Keenan Allen type of WR, def a steal and a super bright future 

[Hebert19]

36 minutes ago, MrSarcasm said:

Gabe Davis=Peerless Price

 

This.   Great complimentary receiver but not sure he would win consistent enough to be number 1.   

[bobobonators]

Davis is a phenomenal young player. Hes quicky becoming one of my favorite players. 

[RobbRiddick]

He'll be our Alvin Harper - a very good number 2 who ends up getting paid a huge contract to be a team's number 1 and subsequently disappoints

[Coach Tuesday]

Just now, RobbRiddick said:

He'll be our Alvin Harper - a very good number 2 who ends up getting paid a huge contract to be a team's number 1 and subsequently disappoints

The Steelers were doing this for years - drafting receivers in the 3-6th round range, developing them in a high-octane passing offense, and watching them get paid elsewhere.  Sanders was one such guy.  They’d leave and the next one would grow in like shark’s teeth.  With Davis, Hodgins and now Stevenson, we may be replicating that system.

[GunnerBill]

1 minute ago, Coach Tuesday said:

The Steelers were doing this for years - drafting receivers in the 3-6th round range, developing them in a high-octane passing offense, and watching them get paid elsewhere.  Sanders was one such guy.  They’d leave and the next one would grow in like shark’s teeth.  With Davis, Hodgins and now Stevenson, we may be replicating that system.

 

Still doing it, although have begun using 2nd round picks. Their top 4 receivers currently were all day 2 picks by the team.

 

2017 - 2nd Round - JuJu

2018 - 2nd Round - James Washington

2019 - 3rd Round - Diontae Johnson

2020 - 2nd Round - Chase Claypool

 

And for most of that period they ran a lot of spread concepts and as much 4 wide and empty as anyone. The Bills now do that which is why I think it is essential that they take a receiver they like every draft. As Allen's deal bites the Beasley, Brown, Sanders level FAs won't be sustainable. Paying a true #1 in Diggs or his eventual successor is doable but the rest of your group better be cheap.

[Mango]

Gabe Davis reminds me more of a Robert Woods Lite then he does a Mike Evans.

 

Thats not a knock, Bob Woods is a hell of a football player. 

[WotAGuy]

1 hour ago, without a drought said:

This doesn't mean he can or can't,  but that TD yesterday sure looked like a classic Kelly to Reed TD. 

Agree.  He’s similar to Andre in that nothing about him stands out - but he does all things well and with an excellent QB and luck staying healthy, he could accumulate some impressive numbers. 

[Mr. WEO]

Not on this roster.  But he's the #2 and a massive upgrade from "Smoke".

[Bangarang]

I think he can be a really good and reliable #2 guy. Not sure he can consistently produce against top corners.

[Thurman#1]

8 hours ago, ChronicAndKnuckles said:

Will Gabe Davis ever challenge the #1 WR spot?

 

I don't wanna say I exactly "disappointed" that the Bills picked up Emmanuel Sanders, I know depth is never a bad thing, but I really wanted to see where his progression would lead to getting more targets. I feel he will eventually take that #2 (if he already hasn't) and become a 1B guy to Diggs. 

 

What do you guys think? 

 

 

This year on this team? I don't even see him challenging for #3 unless one of the top three get cut or injured.

 

Ever on the Buffalo Bills in his career? I don't see it happening in the next eight or nine years as long as Diggs is here. My guess is no.

 

Ever on any team? There I'd say it's possible.

 

Maybe he'll improve greatly over the next few years. But he looks to me like a solid guy who's really good at the scramble drill. 

[TheyCallMeAndy]

I definitely think he finishes this year as the undisputed #2 WR, he probably could be a transitional #1 someplace in a year or two.

1 minute ago, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

This year on this team? I don't even see him challenging for #3 unless one of the top three get cut or injured.

 

Ever on the Buffalo Bills in his career? I don't see it happening in the next eight or nine years as long as Diggs is here. My guess is no.

 

Ever on any team? There I'd say it's possible.

 

Maybe he'll improve greatly over the next few years. But he looks to me like a solid guy who's really good at the scramble drill. 

I do, I think he takes over for Sanders by the end of the year.

[Thurman#1]

15 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

Not on this roster.  But he's the #2 and a massive upgrade from "Smoke".

 

 

I don't even agree with this. He's got areas where he's stronger than Smoke, such as health so far, and high-pointing the ball, but a healthy Smoke to a second-year Davis isn't an upgrade, IMO.

 

6 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

I definitely think he finishes this year as the undisputed #2 WR, he probably could be a transitional #1 someplace in a year or two.

I do, I think he takes over for Sanders by the end of the year.

 

 

Well, we'll see. Obviously there's no way to prove you're wrong, short of watching the season play out, but I sure think you'll be shown wrong there.

 

 

 

Edited August 29, 2021 by Thurman#1

[GunnerBill]

Just now, Thurman#1 said:

 

 

I don't even agree with this. He's got areas where he's stronger than Smoke, such as health so far, and high-pointing the ball, but a healthy Smoke to a second-year Davis isn't an upgrade, IMO.

 

A fully healthy smoke... it's more like a wash to my eyes. The smoke we had last year? Yea Davis was better as a rookie and not just by a bit. He was almost 3 and a half yards per reception better and 4 touchdowns better (and he only had 10 more targets which isn't enough for that to all be sample size). I think Davis is really good and I think he will be the #2 outside guy on this team this year and it will be close between him and Beas for 2nd most productive overall.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

8 hours ago, ChronicAndKnuckles said:

First off, please don't jump down my throat. It's just a random thought/question and not a preseason overreaction. This has been on my mind since the end of last season. 

 

When I watch Davis ball, he looks like a star in the making. The chemistry between him and Allen has been evident from the beginning. He's not the fastest guy, but and can stretch the field. He's also great in the Red zone coming in 3rd place of all rookies last year in TD receptions + is the best on the team at making those sideline catches (IMO.) Great measurables, sure handed, and versatile. What more can you ask for? My only concern is his lack of production in the playoffs specifically against KC when we needed someone to really step up. 

 

I don't wanna say I exactly "disappointed" that the Bills picked up Emmanuel Sanders, I know depth is never a bad thing, but I really wanted to see where his progression would lead to getting more targets. I feel he will eventually take that #2 (if he already hasn't) and become a 1B guy to Diggs. 

 

What do you guys think? 

 

I think it's possible but while I hope he continues to develop with the Bills, I hope he doesn't.  Let me explain a little bit.

 

Diggs didn't really break out until 2017 ("Miracle in Minneapolis catch that sent them to conf. championship) and he didn't become the uncontested #1 until last season, his 6th in the league.

 

Sanders didn't really become "a" Top Dog until his 5th year, when he switched teams from Pittsburgh to Denver.  Pittsburgh had a deep WR room when he came into the league and he was down the depth chart behind Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.  In Denver he had to share honors with Demaryius Thomas.

 

So one aspect is to really get there, it can take time - 3-4 years.  Being able to contribute behind 1-2 stronger WR who draw the top coverage, is not the same as being able to

 

One facet of a team with a clear #1, is that they don't have a very deep WR room.  When you do, it's harder to argue a guy is a clear #1.  Diggs was a clear #1 last year.  It would be nice to have 2 WR close to that caliber (Wallace and AB; Demaryius Thomas and Sanders)

 

If we find ourselves a couple years from now debating whether or not Davis is the #1 on the team, that will be a Good Thing.

 

For now, he's a very capable Sorcerer's Apprentice to one Stefon Diggs.

 

 

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

He’s looked fantastic this pre-season and that’s coming off a nice rookie season where he could have easily lead the team in receiving TD’s if it were not for two pre-snap illegal procedure penalties.

 

we have an embarrassment of riches at the WR group. Similar to Tampa Bay. Our guys are more precise route runners though where as guys like Godwin and Evans are more physically gifted. 
 

I would caution anyone looking to draft Diggs early in fantasy to maybe not do so this year. Diggs will likely lead us in receiving again but I don’t expect him to come close to 1500 yards and 120 receptions.  I could see Davis, Beasley and Sanders all going over 60 receptions which will cut into Diggs share. I also see the TE and RB groups combined each combining for a greater number of receptions this year.

 

On the flip side I really hope Daboll calls more games this year like the Seattle game last year and let’s Josh throw is 50+ times. 

Smoke too me never seemed like a great route runner. The perception of Davis is that he doesn’t get enough separation, meaning maybe not a great route runner. This perception is probably due to his bigger and taller frame but I am not sure it is actually accurate. 
 

He seems to have been and is capable of running the entire route tree in our offense when I watch him.

Edited August 29, 2021 by Sammy Watkins' Rib