Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam went in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. (Photo: UAA file)
Gators CB Elam Goes to Bills in First Round
Thursday, April 28, 2022 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam, who passed up his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, made a wise decision.
Buffalo selected Elam in the first round on Thursday night with the 23rd overall pick.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane traded the No. 25 overall pick in the first round and the No. 130 overall pick in the fourth round to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the No. 23 pick. Buffalo's selection of Elam fills a big need for the Bills.
Buffalo lost starter Levi Wallace in free agency and All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White's status for the 2022 season remains uncertain due to a torn ACL he suffered late last season.
Elam played three seasons at Florida, following in the footsteps of his uncle, former UF safety Matt Elam, also a first-round pick in the draft.
The 20-year-old Elam finished his Florida career with six interceptions in 35 games. He added 79 tackles, 26 passes defended, and a fumble recovery. Elam finished with 29 tackles and an interception as a junior in 2021. He played in the Gasparilla Bowl before leaving to focus on the draft.
Elam earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a sophomore in 2020, starting all 12 games, and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Buffalo selected Elam in the first round on Thursday night with the 23rd overall pick.
Bills general manager Brandon Beane traded the No. 25 overall pick in the first round and the No. 130 overall pick in the fourth round to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for the No. 23 pick. Buffalo's selection of Elam fills a big need for the Bills.
Kaiir Elam's reaction after getting picked 23rd overall by the @BuffaloBills. @BenjaminBucsFB @kaiirelam5 @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/HRwGZlnApy
— Shayne Wright (@swrightwpbf) April 29, 2022
Buffalo lost starter Levi Wallace in free agency and All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White's status for the 2022 season remains uncertain due to a torn ACL he suffered late last season.
Elam played three seasons at Florida, following in the footsteps of his uncle, former UF safety Matt Elam, also a first-round pick in the draft.
The 20-year-old Elam finished his Florida career with six interceptions in 35 games. He added 79 tackles, 26 passes defended, and a fumble recovery. Elam finished with 29 tackles and an interception as a junior in 2021. He played in the Gasparilla Bowl before leaving to focus on the draft.
Elam earned first-team All-Southeastern Conference honors as a sophomore in 2020, starting all 12 games, and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Gators Defensive Backs Drafted in First Round in Modern Era (since 1967)
| Draft | Rnd | Overall | Team | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 7 | Cleveland | Joe Haden | CB |
| 2020 | 1 | 9 | Jacksonville | CJ Henderson | CB |
| 2016 | 1 | 11 | Tampa Bay | Vernon Hargreaves III | CB |
| 2016 | 1 | 17 | Atlanta | Keanu Neal | S |
| 1970 | 1 | 20 | New York Jets | Steve Tannen | DB |
| 2007 | 1 | 21 | Jacksonville | Reggie Nelson | S |
| 2022 | 1 | 23 | Buffalo | Kaiir Elam | CB |
| 1989 | 1 | 25 | Miami | Louis Oliver | S |
| 2002 | 1 | 26 | Philadelphia | Lito Sheppard | CB |
| 2013 | 1 | 32 | Baltimore | Matt Elam | S |
Players Mentioned
CB
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