Kaiir Elam 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Seeing the name Elam on the back of a Florida Gators jersey gives me serious PTSD. I’ll never forget, I was stuck in a dance class for college during the end of the 2013 NFL Draft. The Ravens took Matt Elam with the 32nd pick and I blew a gasket. In fairness to Kaiir Elam, I didn’t love his uncle Matt. I’m in on Kaiir.
To finish off the story, I really wanted Tyrann Mathieu in 2013 and for the life of me couldn’t fathom the idea that Matt Elam was picked two rounds ahead of him. I’m much higher on Kaiir mostly because he’s a real corner. Not a bum safety that doesn’t have any ball skills.
Elam has been terrific for the Gators. A team that’s kinda going through some of its own turmoil too. This past season, Elam allowed only 19 catches on 36 targets for 191 yards. Elam did also commit seven penalties but you’re just not going to be perfect in the SEC.
There is so much to like about Elam. I’ve written about him on more than one occasion during the college football season. The guy just checks a lot of boxes. Long corner (6-foot-1), really good in press, and has some serious speed (4.39).
Elam might be a bit grabby at times but he just competes his ass off. Guy is a fighter. Especially at the catch point and just feels battle tested. He’s been playing since he was a true freshman and that means something at Florida. Really physical guy and can kind of reroute guys.
The feet are really good here. Hell of a combine. Moved very well. Don’t think he has to be just an outside corner. Should be a war piece to plug in the slot if you want. Maybe even a tight end on certain match ups. Elam is just really good at the catch point. The ball skills are there with six career interceptions as well.
I actually took Elam in our company mock draft 26th overall for the Titans. I’m in on the guy. The 2022 NFL Draft looks like a strong cornerback draft but you’re really talking about some dart throws after Derek Stingley and Ahmad Gardner. Elam might not be a totally safe pick but I think his ceiling is a really high end starter.
