2022 NFL Draft: Grading the Bills’ No. 23 pick of Kaiir Elam

The Buffalo Bills select Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam with the 23rd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. How will Elam fit with the Bills?

The Buffalo Bills traded with the Baltimore Ravens to get the 23rd pick in the draft to select Florida defensive back Kaiir Elam. This trade was the fourth trade in five picks. Tennessee started by trading up to 18. The Bills needed defensive back help with star defensive back Tre’Davious White on the mend.

If Elam is on your board and is available, you have to make the pick. The Florida standout is a height, weight, and speed pick. He has all of the measurables you want in a defensive back. He did not play his best football in his final year in the Swamp, but Buffalo’s culture will push him to be great.

Elam is one of the most technically sound cornerbacks in this draft. Couple that with freakish athleticism, and you have one of the best corners in this draft. Elam excels at press-man coverage, which is an asset in the pros.

How Kaiir Elam fits with the Bills

Elam mirrors and matches any corner in this draft but is susceptible to an early move off of the snap. Elam compensates with his speed; he won’t be able to do this at the next level. He’ll have to stay patient and know how a wide receiver attempts to set him up.

Elam will come in and be a third or fourth corner early in his career and eventually grow into a starter. When you have assembled a roster like Buffalo has, you can take a talent like Elam for depth. Solid pickup for the Bills.

Grade: B+