5 bold predictions for the Buffalo Bills in 2018
3. Kelvin Benjamin will go over 1,000 yards receiving
Benjamin failed to develop into the number one receiver the Carolina Panthers wanted him to be, but he’s been given new life in Buffalo. This year will be a massive season for the massive wideout.
The former Florida State receiver wasn’t bad last year, but he didn’t produce the results his talent indicates he should. 48 catches for 692 yards isn’t close to what Buffalo needs from their number one pass catching option. Some of that can be attributed to his adjustment to life in Buffalo after his midseason trade, but some of it goes down to his lack of ability to separate from NFL defensive backs.
In some ways, Benjamin plays more like a tight end than a wide receiver. That’s going to work to his advantage this season with the Bills. Just as Charles Clay is going to benefit from being a safety blanket for whoever throws the passes for Buffalo this season, so too should Benjamin. His physicality and massive catch radius is going to make him a popular target.
The question for Benjamin is whether or not he can come down with enough catches to have a big year. If he can improve his hands, he can overcome his lack of speed. If he doesn’t prove he can catch tough passes consistently, he may never fulfill his full potential. It’s a big year in Buffalo for Benjamin.