The Bills’ 2022 first-round pick looked ready to shed his bust label at minicamp

It’s been a trying couple of years for Buffalo Bills 2022 first-round cornerback Kaiir Elam, but he hasn’t stopped working.

“I firmly believe that what you put in is what you get out, it might not happen when you want it to or when you think it should. It will always work, it will always show,” said Elam during a media scrum. after Thursday’s festivities at Orchard Park.

After struggling to define his role thus far, it was certainly happening for Elam during a mandatory three-day minicamp according to multiple accounts. The 23-year-old defensive back reportedly threw interceptions during practices Tuesday and Wednesday.

Go Long writes that Ty Dunne described defensive coordinator Bobby Babich’s reaction to Elam’s first pick as a “Scream rebel.”

Wednesday, Rochester Sports anchor Dan Fetes reported that Elam intercepted “Josh Allen this time jumping a route against Keon Coleman. Sean McDermott and Bobby Babich were FIRED UP.”

“It was great to see me play and be a great teammate. Now they know they can count on me and be there when they need me,” Elam said. “I really believe I can really get the ball back at a high level.”

Despite playing in less than half of the regular season games, Elam was forced into postseason duty due to injuries and demonstrated his ability to carry on a big stage. He has thrown interceptions in each of Buffalo’s last two playoff victories.

Already labeled a failure by national pundits, the former No. 23 overall draft pick threatens to break out in year three.

“I just have confidence and I believe in myself. Seeing the plays develop once or twice, and after a while it gave me the confidence to go out there and play fast and free. Having confidence in my technique, my coaches instilled in me,” Elam said.

After experiencing some disappointing growing pains, the Florida product appears to be a revitalized ascending player this spring.