When healthy, Kelvin Benjamin can become one of the leagues’ most dangerous receivers there is. At 6’5 and his wingspan, the Buffalo Bills should be glad to have his services for this upcoming season. With their weak wide receiver core, Benjamin is the clear standout #1 WR option but he has yet to prove it with the Bills.
Being traded to the Bills just minutes before the trade deadline last season, this was the Bills last move to push themselves into a playoff spot. To bulk up options for Tyrod Taylor. Unfortunately, Benjamin underproduced and suffered a torn meniscus but finished out the season but not at 100% healthy.
The expectations are set high for Benjamin. In the six games he played for the Bills last season, he only caught 16 passes for 217 yards and one score. Granted, that one touchdown was in the blizzard game against the Indianapolis Colts. With his contract year coming up, if Benjamin wants an extension with the Bills, now is the time to play at a superstar-like level.
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It doesn’t help that the Bills have arguably the biggest QB controversy in the league. With the open competition, Benjamin will need to find a way to become the teams’ go-to. The wide receiver core is already thin enough. Benjamin has the easiest opportunity to lead the Bills receiving game. For this season, it’s not matter if he competes, it’s about if he can stay healthy. Benjamin was one of players who fell as a victim of the Bills injury bug in 2017.
New quarterback, new offensive scheme, but hopeful same productivity by Benjamin. Players tend to breakout in their contract year so Benjamin should be able to put numbers that are considered elite.
2018 Season Projections:
65 receptions, 1,050 yards, 8 touchdowns.
Brandon Ray is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the Buffalo Bills. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_ray79 and @FPC_Bills for Bills coverage.