Isaiah McKenzie

On the surface, Isaiah McKenzie was his usual self last year; a low-target fill-in at wide receiver. In fact, in 2021 he was right around his career averages with 20 catches for 178 yards, but 11 of those receptions and 125 of the yards came in Week 16. With Cole Beasley having moved on from the Bills, there are looks to be had behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, though McKenzie will have to compete for them with free agent acquisition Jamison Crowder and rookie Khalil Shakir. It does seem McKenzie has a good shot at the slot role, as the Bills rested him for their preseason opener while Crowder took the field.

McKenzie is strictly a role player, but he's become an excellent chess piece in Brian Daboll's high-powered offense. McKenzie surprisingly had five receiving touchdowns last season after having only one in his previous four years of NFL action. He also added a passing touchdown and a return score. The Bills are plenty set in terms of starting wideouts between Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders, but McKenzie will fulfill a similar role in 2021. With return specialist Andre Roberts off to Houston, McKenzie could see more time as a returner.

At 5-foot-8, McKenzie is one of the smaller receivers in an extremely crowded Bills wide receiver room, but with a 4.42 40 time he's also among the fastest. McKenzie has shown some kick return capabilities and even had a bit of success rushing, too. The versatile Georgia product even started eight games for Buffalo in 2019, so he could even be thought of as an incumbent, thought that's immediately out the window with the team's offseason trade for Stefon Diggs. Still, McKenzie will need to show more explosiveness than he has if he wants to see the same level of playing time in 2020. He only averaged 9.4 yards per catch, even with one 46-yard strike thrown into the mix. As competitive as the Bills' depth chart -- which features Diggs and a couple of WR draft picks - now appears, it's likely McKenzie will need to battle for a roster spot.

McKenzie came to the Broncos as one of the most prolific punt returners in SEC history, leading him to being a fifth-round pick. He ended 2017 with more muffed punts (six) than offensive touches (five). He also cost the Broncos points in Week 16 by failing to get out of bounds with the clock ticking before the half. McKenzie has reportedly taken positive steps to start team activities, but he may be battling with Jordan Taylor and fellow 2017 pick Carlos Henderson for one or two roster spots. If a steadier option emerges at returner, that'll place pressure on McKenzie to take several steps forward as a receiver in order to make the team.

McKenzie was the SEC's top punt returner in 2016, with 244 yards on 20 returns. Throughout his three seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs, he returned five punts and one kick for scores. Drafted with the Broncos' second pick of the fifth round, the 5-7 McKenzie figures to instantly contribute as a return specialist. Nicknamed the "Human Joystick," McKenzie had the second fastest three-cone drill among receivers at the combine at 6.64 seconds and also ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash. Don't sleep on him as a receiver just because of his size, however. After playing primarily special teams for two years, McKenzie caught 44 passes and seven scores in 2016 and also rushed for four touchdowns in his collegiate career. Despite his short stature, McKenzie was not limited to screens and sweeps. He was tough over the middle on quick slants and high-pointed the ball numerous times on deep tosses and back-shoulder throws. His return ability will get him on the roster, but don't be surprised if Denver gets creative in searching to find ways to get the ball into his hands on offense.