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'I do belong' | WR Tyrell Shavers staying patient while making noise at Bills training camp

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If you ask Bills head coach Sean McDermott about the picture that would be in the dictionary next to the word consistency, he'll say Tyrell Shavers.

In fact, it's what he told reporters on Monday, July 29 before practice when asked about the second-year wideout that has been turning heads during camp.

"Very impressed. Even if you go back to his rookie season, he's so consistent and even when he wasn't playing with his approach," McDermott said. "One of the first players in the building, one of the last to leave. Knows what we're doing offensively, systematically. When you look up consistent in the dictionary like his face shows up in my mind because he's so consistent, and at a young age. I have a lot of respect and appreciation for that."

The 2023 undrafted free agent WR spent his rookie season on the Bills practice squad but flashed during the 2023 preseason when he caught a 22-yard touchdown from then backup QB Matt Barkley.

Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 24, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.

Shavers says that spending this past season on the practice squad and coming into camp this year showed him that he belongs on an NFL roster.

"That's one thing, I do belong, and I just got to stay patient, stay on the grind because as soon as you stop working at this level, that's when you go out the door," Shavers said.

Ever since Shavers came into the Buffalo Bills WR room, his teammates took notice. According to fellow WR Khalil Shakir, he did not lose a one-on-one rep his whole rookie year.

"I've said ever since he stepped foot on that Buffalo Bill turf, I said, 'Shavers is gonna be nice'," Shakir said. "I mean, just his releases, he's a bigger body receiver, but he moves like a slot. Just his footwork, his determination, his will, just to not let the man across from him beat him. And he's also just strong mentally. He's a strong person mentally. He's a dog and he's doing great. It's good to see him getting recognized a bit and getting reps with the ones."

The growth that he has displayed in the transition from year 1 to year 2 is what has impressed his teammates the most.

"He's grown a lot," LT Dion Dawkins said. "He's grown a lot. He's becoming his own person. And, watching a young guy come in and not really play yet, but work hard and not really get his chance yet. And now he's getting his chance, and he's taking full advantage of it. I'm happy to see him take full advantage of it."

The WR has had an interesting path to the NFL. After redshirting his freshman year at Alabama, he went on to play in 28 games for the Crimson Tide before transferring to Mississippi State for one season, and ultimately finishing his college career playing for San Diego State. While playing for the Aztecs, he became known as a special teams ace, finishing in a tie for first for most blocked punts in team history with three.

"I think it shows that he's able to adapt," Shakir said. "When you move around that much and things don't always work out in your way, maybe at one school, but you know everybody has a different path. Everybody's path is different, and he's always kept his head on the main goal and that's getting here. And now that he's here he wants to be one of the best to do it and I think his determination and his will just to be playing football overall is something special."

Shavers really caught the attention of reporters on Day 4 of training camp when he was seen with Josh Allen and the first-team unit and caught a touchdown from Allen during one of the team periods.

Josh Allen (17), Tyrell Shavers (80). Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 29, 2024 at St. John Fisher University.

"It's been a blessing," Shavers said. "Just you grew up, like a couple years ago I was just playing the game with the Bills and now I'm out here playing actual football with him, so I just got to keep taking advantage of the reps and opportunities and let it come."

Shavers has been capturing the attention of not only reporters and his teammates; the coaching staff has taken notice too.

"He has the football IQ and really conceptual thought process where he learns everything, so I'm not surprised that he's like catching onto it," WR coach Adam Henry said. "For him to see the progression and making plays. I'm pleased at this point very pleased."

"'Shaves' is, his approach is where it needs to be," Bills OC Joe Brady said. "And he's very accountable and he has a responsibility in the offense. You can move him around; he can play all positions. And he always knows what he's gonna do. And he's had some opportunities there and he's made the most of them. But you know what you're getting with him, the consistency."

The versatility that he displays is what Shavers believe helps him as a receiver because he is willing to play any position that the coaching staff asks of him, including playing special teams as he did in college.

"Just looking to show my versatility," Shavers said. "That I can do whatever is asked. I'm not just a one-dimensional player. Whatever they need I can do and that's including special teams as well."

When asking coaches and players what traits Shavers that has helps him succeed, his length and catch radius stand out. But the one trait among them all is his determination.

"I mean, there's no stopping him," Shakir said. "If he wants to get open, he's gonna get open. Like I said, his release, his release package is deep. The way he's able to manipulate the DBs into thinking he's running a certain route then runs another, is something special. And he's a younger guy, and I say in football years because I'm pretty sure he's older than me, but he's a young guy in football years, but you would never be able to guess just the way he's out there running around, getting open."

In a wide receiver room that has so many new faces, Shavers has been making his presence felt for a chance to be on the final 53-man roster.

"There is no mountain right now, we don't have a depth chart, right? The positions like we go out to practice, today's the third long day, so we're going 30 straight snaps of third and seven plus…," Brady said. "So, to me a guy like Shaves and, you know, the rest of the receivers, they're not kind of worried about who they're getting with and where they're getting with and how the depth chart gets. It's like hey, I got to make sure I'm getting these plays, and I feel comfortable learning the offense and the rest will take care of itself."

Shavers will look to continue to do the most with his opportunity with the reps and he knows that when his number is called, he will be ready.

"So far I've done a good job of taking advantage," Shavers said. "I just got to keep stacking every day. Not worrying about what I've done in the past. So, tomorrow's a new day. Tomorrow's a new opportunity and take advantage of it."

"It's definitely a good feeling and just telling myself to keep doing what I'm doing. Not worry about what I can or can't do. Just being aware of when I get my number called out there and make a play."

Scroll to see the best photos from day 6 of the 2024 Buffalo Bills Training Camp. This gallery is presented by Connors & Ferris, LLP.

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