‘”Our full focus from Day 1 was getting a new deal done for a new stadium here in Buffalo,” said Ron Raccuia, executive vice president for Pegula Sports and Entertainment. “That was everything we worked towards.”‘
Archives for April 2022
Buffalo Bills trade up to take Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam to fill team’s biggest need
‘“We had had a good grade on Kaiir and we were down to one player in the first round on our board, and so at that point, it just made sense,” Beane said of making the trade. “Not sure what those teams would have taken, but there was a lot of trade action going on, too, so you don’t have to look at just what they might take, you got to look at the teams behind them. So it just felt like it was within striking distance.”’
Kaiir Elam: 3 things to know about Buffalo Bills No. 23 overall pick in 2022 NFL Draft
‘Abram Elam allowed Kaiir to play sports such as baseball, basketball, swimming and track, but he did not let him start in with football until he was in the seventh grade, though his late start didn’t hinder him.’
Pollock: Bills get their corner, but trade to do it
‘Clearly, Buffalo had the 5-11½, 191-pounder graded higher than Booth, who wasn’t taken in the first round.’
Buffalo Bills trade up 2 spots to pick No. 23, select Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam
‘Elam, 20, ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and has the kind of athletic profile at the cornerback position that must have stood out for the Bills during the draft process.’
Bills GM on aggressive draft trade up: Kaiir Elam was last player with first-round grade
‘“We had a good grade on Kaiir and we were down to one player in the first round on our board,” Beane said. “At that point it just made sense. Not sure what those teams would have taken but there was a lot of trade action going on too. … I was worried more about someone else trading in in front of us knowing that a lot of people had us pegged for potentially as a corner.”’
Bills draft Kaiir Elam, continue trend of selecting pre-draft visitors in Round 1 (5 things to know)
‘If the Bills are looking to get faster in the secondary, they accomplished that goal on Thursday night. Elam ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine.’
5 thoughts and a grade on Buffalo Bills drafting CB Kaiir Elam
‘It’s nearly impossible to put a grade on a player who joins a team without a single NFL snap. But the goal of the grade is just as much about the logic behind it as it is about the player’s fit. The Bills needed a cornerback. I’ve written about it for two years. Elam’s combination of big-game experience playing in the SEC and his speed and ceiling at cornerback No. 2 make this pick hard not to like. Beane and his staff have a knack for finding the right kind of people to add to the locker room dynamic. He’ll compete with Jackson for the starting job opposite White, and if he’s not ready to go then the rookie may be forced into action no matter what. Need meets quality of player this time for Beane, who has piled up wins in the draft since becoming GM.’
‘Rich get richer’ as Buffalo Bills select Kaiir Elam (National reactions)
‘Regardless of how things shake out early in the season, the Bills were able to address their biggest–and possibly only–need in Round 1 while adding a prospect that they love.’
Were Bills ever truly considering Breece Hall at pick 25? GM weighs in on draft rumors
‘“I don’t know where the reports come from,” Beane said late Thursday night as the first round of the draft was finishing. “We don’t put out smoke screens, like it’s not something we do.”’
Runaway McBride: Buffalo Bills add draft’s top TE in full second round mock draft
‘Pick 57: Buffalo Bills select Colorado State TE Trey McBride.’
Jets’ Sauce Gardner thinks he can take on Bills’ Stefon Diggs ‘easily’ in man coverage
‘One day before the draft, Gardner was asked about potentially being drafted by the New York Jets and if he was looking forward to the challenge of going against the likes of Diggs, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.’
Bills select CB Elam with No. 23 pick in first round of ‘22 NFL Draft
‘“They just told me I have to stay consistent and stay with the same mindset I had and just try to develop and get better every day,” Elam recalled of his pre-draft visit with the Bills’ brass. “I feel like they felt like I was one of the best cornerbacks in the country, and I felt the same way. But they told me all the things I need to get better at it, and I was really receptive, and I’m definitely going to apply it to my game and just go prove it and strive to win a Super Bowl.”’
Friday’s Kaiir Elam Coverage
Former Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam drafted 23rd overall by Buffalo Bills (Gainesville Sun)
Buffalo Bills take Gators CB Kaiir Elam with No. 23 pick in NFL Draft (Orlando Sentinel)
Day 1 of NFL Draft: UF’s Kaiir Elam, FSU’s Jermaine Johnson head to NFL late in first round (Palm Beach Post)
Florida Gator Kaiir Elam selected by Buffalo with No. 23 pick in 2022 NFL Draft (WGFL-TV)
Buffalo Bills Trade Up To Draft Florida CB Kaiir Elam 23rd
‘“And obviously, I’ve been hearing it loud and clear that we don’t have a a corner from every single one of you, neighbors, kids, everyone,” he added with a chuckle. “So we’ll all sleep good tonight.”’