Buffalo Bills cornerback Kaiir Elam is entering a make-or-break season in 2024. The former Florida standout has thus far failed to meet expectations as the No. 23 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Elam played significant snaps as a rookie and there were fleeting moments of brilliance. He totaled 477 snaps as a first-year contributor, accounting for 45.39% of Buffalo's defensive plays as the third-most snapped cornerback on the roster, trailing just Taron Johnson and Dane Jackson. Elam recorded two interceptions during the season, including one from Patrick Mahomes in Week 6. He also had an interception in a wild-card playoff win over the Miami Dolphins.
Kaiir Elam broke up Skylar Thompson's pass intended for Mike Gesicki on 4th & 6, forcing a turnover on downs.
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) January 15, 2023
The Bills rookie CB allowed just 1 reception for 2 yards & an INT on 5 targets today.#MIAvsBUF | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/6Sqc7w2yx6
There were also some obvious struggles. Pro Football Focus credited Elam with allowing 31 receptions on 41 targets (75.6%) and 12 yards per catch. He finished his rookie season with 41 total tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defensed in 13 games.
The Bills were expecting Elam to inherit an even larger role as a sophomore in 2023. That expectation did not come to fruition. Injuries, general inconsistencies, and untimely penalties have made the Bills hesitant to place their full trust in his abilities. Elam has also routinely been outplayed by fellow cornerback Christian Benford, who was picked 162 selections after him in the same draft.
Elam was placed on IR in early November and only ended up appearing in a handful of contests as a sophomore, though he did end up recording his second career playoff interception in a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Elam played less than 100 coverage snaps during the regular season and was largely anonymous. His underwhelming play (and injury) was a reason why the Bills traded for Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas near the deadline.
The 2024 campaign will represent somewhat of a fresh start for Elam. The Bills hired a new cornerbacks coach in Jahmile Addae, an ex-college position coach who has vast experience working with young corners like Elam. He'll be tasked with getting the Riviera Beach native playing a more technical game.
The Bills also underwent changes at the position through the offseason. Dane Jackson signed with the Carolina Panthers in free agency. Tre'Davious White was released from his contract and eventually joined the Los Angeles Rams. Those departures have cleared some room for Elam to compete.
However, Johnson, Benford, and Douglas are still on the roster. Johnson, the primary nickel corner, signed a three-year, $31 million extension earlier this offseason through 2027. Benford, like Elam, is entering the third season of his four-year rookie contract. Douglas remains under contract through 2024. Those two are expected to serve as the boundary starters. That means Elam is extremely likely to enter the season as the No. 4 cornerback. Rookie sixth-round pick Daequan Hardy is unlikely to legitimately challenge Elam for that position on the depth chart.
With nickel defense being the new base, Elam should eventually find himself as a top-three cornerback, either via rotation or injury. The onus is on Elam to take advantage of his opportunities when they come.
