Kaiir Elam’s current NFL Draft projections see his landing spots as anywhere from a mid-to-late first-round selection to an early Day 2 pick. The Florida CB appears likely to be the fourth CB off the board in 2022 after struggling statistically when comparing his junior year to his sophomore year at Florida. Let’s examine Elam’s potential landing spots if he is a late first-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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NFL Draft Projections: Kaiir Elam’s potential landing spots
Elam currently sits 20th on PFN’s Consensus Big Board, with a range in ranking from 11th to 30th. There is some belief that Elam could be a top-20 selection, but the general feeling is that if he goes on Day 1, it will be in the final 10 to 12 selections of the day.
When you look at Elam’s scouting report, it is clear why there is such a split of opinions on the Florida CB. Elam is undoubtedly talented and has outstanding ball skills. However, just 3 interceptions in his last two seasons (including only 1 in his final year at Florida) provide some concern over his playmaking ability. Yet, as a prospect that could start from Week 1 of his rookie season, he could be an intriguing late Day 1 pick. Let’s take a look at Elam’s potential landing spots in Round 1.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers reinvested in Rasul Douglas and still have 2021 first-rounder Eric Stokes, who has shown development. Add in the highly talented Jaire Alexander, and it may feel like the Packers are already stacked at corner. However, Douglas could be cut next offseason, and Green Bay still needs to agree to a long-term deal with Alexander.
Therefore, a player like Elam would give the Packers added depth in 2022 and an insurance policy for next season and beyond. If Stokes does not progress into a starter, Elam could be that long-term partner for Alexander if they can get him signed to a deal. The Packers have two selections in the first round and should use them to address two of their positions of need at receiver, offensive tackle, cornerback, pass rusher, or linebacker.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are sitting in a tough position with their secondary. At safety, they seem pretty set, but there are concerns for both depth and starting options at cornerback. Marco Wilson was pressed into a starting role as a rookie but struggled at times. Meanwhile, Robert Alford is not returning in the slot. Arizona added Jeff Gladney, who has a first-round pedigree but off-the-field concerns.
It would be somewhat interesting if the Cardinals drafted Elam to be the starter over Wilson. The move would reunite two former Florida cornerbacks while also pitting them against each other to start opposite Byron Murphy. Of course, with Murphy set to be a free agent next offseason, Arizona could end up starting both ex-Gators in 2023. The Cardinals arguably have a more pressing need for pass rushers. But if the value isn’t there with the edge defenders, then a player like Elam would make a lot of sense.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have not been able to get it right at the cornerback position over the past couple of years. Charvarius Ward was the marquee addition this offseason. Dontae Johnson and Darqueze Dennard provide options opposite him. San Francisco also has Emmanuel Moseley in the slot and depth in the form of Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir.
However, the 49ers should still consider addressing the CB position with their first pick in the draft (second round) — if Elam falls that far. Their other top needs include guard, defensive tackle, and wide receiver. All three positions have solid depth in this class, but a CB of Elam’s upside would be hard to find later in the draft.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a team that we have seen like to invest in the CB position. Tre’Davious White is exceptionally talented, and Taron Johnson is an intriguing foil. They also brought back Siran Neal to add depth and give them a potential third starter. However, Johnson and Neal are best suited to either the slot or backup roles, which is where Elam comes in.
Elam comes out of Florida with a high floor and plenty of potential. Finding a Week 1 starter at cornerback at the back end of Day 1 is rare. The chances are that Elam could be gone before the Bills get on the clock. If that is the case, they should perhaps look elsewhere to find an immediate contributor at another position. Equally, trading up for Elam would be a risky move after he struggled with a nagging injury last year.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs lost Charvarius Ward and Mike Hughes during the offseason and didn’t do anything to replace them. Rashad Fenton is a solid depth piece, and Deandre Baker is a high-upside signing with off-the-field concerns. If one can develop into a starter, that would be ideal. But that’s leaving a lot to chance for a team with a window to win right now.
Kansas City has two first-round picks in 2022 following the Tyreek Hill trade, and one of them should be used on a defensive upgrade. Whether that is a pass rusher or a cornerback could depend on how the board falls. Arguably, the case could be made that despite the need to replace Hill, the depth at receiver in this draft should push the Chiefs to address their pass rush and cornerback situation in the first round.
