Bills draft Kaiir Elam, continue trend of selecting pre-draft visitors in Round 1 (5 things to know)

Derek Stingley and Sauce Gardner went back-to-back at picks three and four in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Following their selections, things went quiet at the cornerback position until the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select Trent McDuffie. That trade likely spurred the Buffalo Bills to make a trade up of their own to select Kaiir Elam with the No. 23 pick in the draft.

Elam was a late riser in mock drafts. During his collegiate career at Florida, Elam recorded five interceptions and 20 passes defensed in three seasons.

Following the selection of Elam, here are five things to know about the cornerback.

Pre-draft visitor

Pre-draft visits when it comes to Brandon Beane and the Bills. Since taking over as the team’s general manager, every first round pick made by the team has been a pre-draft visitor.

Josh Allen, Tremaine Edmunds and Ed Oliver, all former first round picks made by Beane, were pre-draft visitors. The Bills did not hold any top-30 visits the past two years due to Covid.

Last player with 1st round grade

Bills GM Brandon Beane revealed that Elam was the last player that the team had a first round grade on available in the first round. Instead of waiting to see if he would fall to the team, the GM got aggressive to ensure that they walked away with Elam.

Among youngest CBs in draft class

Beane also seems to target younger prospects in the draft class. Josh Allen was 21 when drafted, Tremaine Edmunds was 19 and Ed Oliver was 21 years old.

Among Dane Brugler’s top-20 cornerbacks in this year’s draft class, Elam was one of two prospects to be under 21 years old with the other being Stingley.

Speed & traits

If the Bills are looking to get faster in the secondary, they accomplished that goal on Thursday night. Elam ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine.

Elam also seems to have a full toolbox in terms of coachable traits. Jordan Schultz shared a scout’s thoughts on Elam’s game.

Father & uncle played in the NFL

The bloodlines are strong in the Elam family. Kaiir’s father, Abram, played in the NFL from 2006-2012 as a safety with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. During his time in the league, Abram recorded 409 total tackles, five sacks, three interceptions and 19 passes defensed.

Kaiir’s uncle, Matt Elam, also played in the league. He was a former 1st round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and played with the Baltimore Ravens until 2016.

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