Kaiir Elam has already had a very up-and-down career in Buffalo.
The Bills drafted him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he just never seemed to consistently be what they needed as a starter opposite of Tre'Davious White. Even when White was injured, they opted to lean more on seventh-round pick Dane Jackson and sixth-round pick Christian Benford.
However, Elam seems to have found his role with the Bills. Last January in the wildcard round of the playoffs, he intercepted a Mason Rudolph pass in the end zone that killed a scoring opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and ultimately helped Buffalo advance. And now, he is making plays in training camp that show he is developing into a trustworthy rotational piece.
One play in particular sticks out where Elam raced to the front pilon of the end zone to break up a pass from Josh Allen intended for Mack Hollins.
Kaiir Elam is having one heck of a training camp. I think he’s pushing Christian Benford in a position battle for CB2. We could be looking at another rotational situation if Elam’s strong play continues. pic.twitter.com/fFaYhQWRmK
— Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) August 1, 2024
With Rasul Douglas and Benford being the starting duo on the perimeter for the Bills, and Jackson having signed elsewhere in the offseason, Buffalo needs Elam to step up and be their No. 3 cornerback on the outside - or maybe he can take that starting job from Benford. It looks like he is embracing that challenge, and is finally becoming what the Bills hoped he would when they drafted him.
