Does first-round choice of bills end bust talk?

Kaiir Elam has failed to live up to expectations since the Buffalo Bills selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His performance throughout offseason workouts suggests he may finally be ready to put the bust talk in his rearview mirror.

Elam experienced success throughout Organized Team Activities (OTA) and he continued that positive trend during mandatory minicamp. The 23-year-old cornerback was one of the best players on the field during Wednesday’s practice.

His improved performance comes at a perfect time for the Bills, who are desperate for depth in the secondary after several high-profile departures. Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are all gone after long-term stints in Buffalo.

Is Kaiir Elam ready to label a stiff-armed bust?

The cornerback makes a series of good plays at minicamp

Elam’s best play Wednesday came when he jumped a route drawn by rookie receiver Keon Coleman to intercept a pass from Josh Allen. It was a play reminiscent of the play-reading ability he displayed at the University of Florida.

Another INT for Kaiir Elam during #Invoices Wednesday minicamp. An apparent miscommunication between Josh Allen and Keon Coleman allowed Elam to get past the WR to secure the win. Two straight days with an INT for Elam, who struggled to get a jersey on game day last year

-Alex Brasky (@alexbrasky) June 12, 2024

Although a learning curve was always expected (Elam excelled in man coverage with the Gators but the Bills mixed in many zone coverages), his lack of progress in his first two seasons raised questions on his future in the NFL.

Fellow forward Rasul Douglas, who joined Buffalo in a trade in October, got his first in-depth look at Elam and came away impressed, according to Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic.

“He looks good there now,” Douglas said. “He’s sticky, big, fast. He is in a good position this year. It looks great. I can’t say what he did last year. I do not really know. But this year he looks great.

Elam not afraid of early NFL struggles

During OTAs, the Florida native discussed his efforts to maintain confidence when results didn’t go his way early in his career with the Bills.

“I believe in myself. It’s part of life,” Elam told reporters in May. “It’s not (always) going to go the way you want it to. I pride myself on being resilient and continuing to push through challenge, learn from past mistakes and keep the confidence in myself to go out there and do a good job.

He said other circumstances, like a foot injury and being healthy scratched several times during his first two seasons, also helped him gain perspective, both personally and professionally.

“I’ve learned to appreciate it because, without it, I feel like I wouldn’t have become the man I am now,” Elam said. “I just go out there and play for free just because of all the mental games and everything I’ve been through.”

Where does he fit in the secondary of the 2024 bills?

Elam recorded 55 total tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions in 16 appearances during his first two NFL seasons. He received a lackluster 58.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last year.

Still, the Bills haven’t done much to improve their cornerback group behind the starting trio of Douglas, Christian Benford and slot star Taron Johnson. Elam still has the edge in the No. 4 CB role heading into training camp.

This seemed like a major issue until a few weeks ago, but his play throughout offseason practices has at least provided some optimism that he’ll be able to step up if his number is called. This is a promising development for a defense that also has several other questions to answer.

Elam needs to continue his good play during camp and the preseason before the Bills can be assured his improvement is the real deal.

Main photo: Jamie Germano/Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK