The Buffalo Bills drafted cornerback Kaiir Elam in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, it was evident very quickly that he was being outplayed by several other cornerbacks in the Bills’ secondary.
Seventh-round pick Dane Jackson found a solid spot as a rotational piece, and sixth-round pick Christian Benford became the outright starter in light of Tre’Davious White’s injuries and eventual release.
Elam picked off two passes in 2022, but never materialized into the reliable starter the Bills were hoping he’d be. However, late in the 2023 season, Elam began showing that he could find a role in the Bills’ defense. He picked off a Mason Rudolph pass in the end zone in Buffalo’s wildcard win over the Steelers, and began the preseason on a high note.
The LSU product was the Bills’ fifth-highest graded player by PFF in the team’s preseason opener. In 15 coverage snaps, Elam allowed just one catch and a passer rating of 56.3.
Elam was listed as the backup to Rasul Douglas on the initial depth chart, and is likely the No. 3 cornerback on the roster. While his career may not have had the linear path that he would have liked, it seems that Elam is finally finding his footing and finding a role for himself.