NFL Analyst Says This Bills CB Enters ‘Breakthrough’ Season

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane, despite his penchant for high-ceilinged but question-marked players in the first round of the NFL Draft, has missed out on very few players selected among the first 32 picks in any given draft . Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds, Ed Oliver and Greg Rousseau are all clear-cut successes, and 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid appears on track to join that group imminently.

The only first-round pick Beane executed that hasn’t aged exceptionally well is his 2022 selection of cornerback Kaiir Elam, who was then considered a talented but aggressive defensive back who wasn’t necessarily a schematic fit in the heavy area of ​​Buffalo. defense. The Bills hoped to turn Elam’s athletic profile into something special opposite solid starter Tre’Davious White, but the former Florida Gator, over the course of two seasons, struggled to consistently earn playing time; he was usurped on the depth chart by fellow rookie Christian Benfrod ahead of the 2022 season and has since appeared in only 16 regular season games.

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He has totaled 55 tackles, four pass deflections and two interceptions throughout his professional career, an admittedly disappointing statistic for a player who, just two years ago, was selected 23rd overall in the draft. He made some spectacular plays at opportune times – including an outstanding interception in the Bills’ Wild Card round victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last January – but he struggled to gain the trust of the coaching staff from Buffalo given his aggressiveness and his talent for taking. untimely penalties.

While it would be unfair to write Elam off after 16 regular season games, there are objective reasons to be concerned about his long-term feasibility. This sentiment was echoed by CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso; In a recent article listing NFL players “entering breakthrough seasons,” the analyst suggested the 2024 campaign will be crucial in determining Elam’s future in Buffalo.

Troubled by injuries, general inconsistency in coverage and a tendency to induce penalties, it was a real challenge for Elam to stay on the field even during his first two seasons in Buffalo, but he collected two pick as a rookie – one in the end zone on a pass thrown by Patrick Mahomes – and has two career interceptions in the playoffs,” Trapasso wrote “The Bills have hired a new cornerbacks coach from the college ranks –. Jahmile Addae – which could signal a fresh start for Elam With Tre’Davious White now residing in Los Angeles, the Bills need Elam to finally play like a former first-round pick.

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Hiring Addae could provide Elam with the new voice and perspective he needs to take the next step in his development. New Buffalo defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said earlier this month that the team’s defensive coaching staff provides a “clean slate” for Elam, something the 23-year-old already appears to be taking advantage of, as he would have established himself as one of the most talented players. improved players during the team’s recent mandatory minicamp.

Trapasso writes that “the Bills need Elam to finally play like a former first-round pick” given their offseason decision to leave White, but that’s not necessarily the case, as Elam doesn’t project as holder in Buffalo. secondary even without the former All-Pro. Rasul Douglas and the aforementioned Benford are instead expected to fill the Bills’ corner spots, meaning the team will rely on Elam to serve as primary depth at the position. If his minicamp is any indication, the third-year defenseman is more than ready for the challenge.