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2022 NFL Draft: 3 players the Bengals should target with 31st pick

By Dante Pryor

Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators safety Kaiir Elam (5) against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators safety Kaiir Elam (5) against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators safety Trey Dean III (0) and Florida Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) react after a play against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators safety Trey Dean III (0) and Florida Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) react after a play against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida

If Kaiir Elam and Kyler Gordon are here, have the war room flip a coin and take either corner. The only argument in favor of Elam is playing in the SEC, which is a knit pick argument at best. Elam has the body type of a modern-day safety.

Elam measures 6-foot-1 and 191 pounds. His 4.39 40-yard dash time is confirmation of his play speed. Elam does a great job mirroring and matching receivers, understanding how a wide receiver wants to set him up. Elam doesn’t reach and lean too much on his long arms.

The Riviera Beach native did not play his best football this season, but he was in a volatile situation in Florida this season. Cincinnati’s culture would be suitable for him and his development. Elam did get beat deep at times this season, which shook his confidence.

Elam uses his height and arm length to contest 50/50 balls as well as any defensive back in this draft. He plays zone and man well, much like Kyler Gordon. Elam is an immediate impact corner who can come in as a rookie and play the slot.

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