RD 1, Pick 23: CB Kaiir Elam, Florida

[Royale with Cheese]

2 minutes ago, BillsVet said:

 

Reid and Veach are secure in their off-season moves at WR and offense as a whole.  You can draft defense when offense is prioritized which aligns with current league trends. 

 

 

Yeah that WR depth the Chiefs have is outstanding lol.  Their starting WR are maybe…maybe top 12.  
 

 

 

[NewEra]

7 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

It's remarkable that Brandon Beane had a first round grade on Kaiir Elam, but not Devin Lloyd, Jemaine Johnson, Daxton Hill, or Lewis Cine.

 

I have come to the conclusion that the sit-down interview, that presumable all teams have with draft prospects, is more important to Beane than maybe any other GM in the league. And as far as things like work ethic, coachability, culture fit, team-first attitude, and drive, Beane has never been wrong. 

 

Welcome Kaiir Elam!

Great post. 
 

Physical traits + who the person is inside of those physical traits >> Production & technique 

 

you can coach up technique, that will lead to better production.  But you can’t coach up physical traits and a persons heart.  
 

[mikemac2001]

Who has video of this Dallas war room - I wanna see there reaction 

[Royale with Cheese]

33 minutes ago, gobills404 said:

They literally just spent a 1st, a 3rd, and a 4th on a CB and another 1st on a DE

He also praised other contending teams for upgrading their pass rush but no mention of us….

[hjnick]

love the pick, hate giving up a 4th.  wish we could have given up less to move up, but happy w/ CB.

[Rocky Landing]

11 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

I think many myself included are making a bit too much about giving up a fourth round pick to move up 2 spots. 

The issue will be finding decent cheap depth players in the next few years. A fourth as many have said is not make or break. But he sure would be a lot less expensive than Siran Neal or an AJ Klein type player in the next few years. 

I have no issues with the player and had Beane waited and gotten him at 25 some would be calling him a genius for letting the draft come to him.

In the end for the immediate future Elam fills a massive need. 

On to day 2 and hopefully some help for Allen 

 

 

Indeed, the trade may not have been necessary in hindsight. But, Beane wasn't going to finish the night without one first-round-graded player from his board. That would have been a failure, and erring on the side of caution was the right choice, IMO.

[TheyCallMeAndy]

3 minutes ago, hjnick said:

love the pick, hate giving up a 4th.  wish we could have given up less to move up, but happy w/ CB.

We easily could move back into the 4th by trading a 6th and 7th. 
 

I have a feeling we won’t be picking much on Saturday 

[junior]

44 minutes ago, gobills404 said:

They literally just spent a 1st, a 3rd, and a 4th on a CB and another 1st on a DE

 

And traded away one of the top WRs in the league 

[Rocky Landing]

9 minutes ago, mikemac2001 said:

Who has video of this Dallas war room - I wanna see there reaction 

I doubt that they had any fear that Dallas was going to take Elam. I think the fear was that Dallas was willing to trade down (something that Beane could very well have been wise to), and another CB needy team would trade for the pick. Indeed, that competition may very well have been why the pick was so expensive.

[KDIGGZ]

Kaiir said previously he wants to wear #5. Marquez Stevenson has it now. Does he make the roster though? I'd say unless he wins the returner job he's definitely on the bubble

[Alphadawg7]

1 minute ago, KDIGGZ said:

Kaiir said previously he wants to wear #5. Marquez Stevenson has it now. Does he make the roster though? I'd say unless he wins the returner job he's definitely on the bubble

 

I think Stevenson is penciled in at this point, but not in pen obviously.  His ability to return kicks isn't really something someone else is threatening to take away from him as we sit today, although lot of drafting still to come that could bring in competition for that.  I don't think they plan to use McKenzie as a returner this year, although I thought he did a pretty good job last year at it.  

[Mojo44]

Now that the dust has settled, I think this is an absolutely great pick given the context. The “tackling issues” Are not a big deal. Elam is more than a willing tackler and his film shows that. In fact, the guy is pure alpha! I think his tackling will be coached up easily. His speed and coverage ability rival any CB in the draft based on my reading. I don’t mind the trade up. Beane did what he had to do to guarantee Elam would be there. Well done Beane!

[CNY315]

 

[muppy]

11 hours ago, Putin said:

Patriots BY FAR won the 1st  round 

for head scratcher pick of the first round YEP haha It quite glorious seeing that franchise be mocked  by another NFL head coach actually

Edited April 29, 2022 by muppy

[Rocket94]

10 minutes ago, Mojo44 said:

Now that the dust has settled, I think this is an absolutely great pick given the context. The “tackling issues” Are not a big deal. Elam is more than a willing tackler and his film shows that. In fact, the guy is pure alpha! I think his tackling will be coached up easily. His speed and coverage ability rival any CB in the draft based on my reading. I don’t mind the trade up. Beane did what he had to do to guarantee Elam would be there. Well done Beane!

Some of the pundits have already said that Elam may have been the first CB taken in other drafts. Lets give this time. I am anxious to see how Stingley and Sauce Gardner perform. Its a bunch of bs hype.

Edited April 29, 2022 by Rocket94

[muppy]

11 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

"Man, I'm feeling great! We're gonna win the Super Bowl man!"

 

 

@ExWNYer LOVE IT!~!~!!!!!

[Perry Turtle]

White and Elam could be the best pair of cornerbacks the Bills have ever had.

 

Beane continues to improve a team that was 13 seconds away from back-to-back AFC championship games. And that's not an easy task.

 

 

[Doc]

43 minutes ago, NewEra said:

1-  traits.  Makes a lot of sense.

 

2-  he didn’t draft Tre’Davious 

 

3- someone traded up for a corner, then we traded up for a corner.  We had one 1st rd rated corner left on the board….so they traded up to secure him.  Scrambling could be a viable fit.  But you’re right, we’ll never know.  
 

4-  we have no clue what was said between Beane and Decosta.  We have no clue if what was said is true.  We’ll likely go to our graves not knowing if we got fleeced or not.   Decosta is shrewd and a master of trading down.  He does this every year and is a helluva GM….slash salesman.  We need to lock this trade up in the archives  asap

 

Regarding 2, the same guy who drafted Tre also drafted Elam. ;)

 

37 minutes ago, BillsVet said:

Reid and Veach are secure in their off-season moves at WR and offense as a whole.  You can draft defense when offense is prioritized which aligns with current league trends.

 

They got rid of one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL and signed a bunch of #2/#3 WRs. 

 

31 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

Yeah that WR depth the Chiefs have is outstanding lol.  Their starting WR are maybe…maybe top 12.

 

This.

[Milanos Milano]

This was the guy I wanted before I went all Breece Hall crazy. He is a good instinctive CB with size and speed. Something we have needed for a while. 

[Chandler#81]

26 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

We easily could move back into the 4th by trading a 6th and 7th. 
 

I have a feeling we won’t be picking much on Saturday 

You’re forgetting UDFA’s. There’ll be plenty-O- pickins Saturday.

[NastyNateSoldiers]

13 hours ago, Buffalo_Stampede said:

Not recently but when they sign Haden he’ll have a Gator vet to learn from.

Haden was the only one that really panned out otherwise bunch of busts

[Logic]

I had forgotten that Cowboys presumed CB2 Kelvin Joseph is in legal trouble and is potentially facing charges.

 

Given that fact, Elam’s fit in a Dan Quinn defense, and the sullen looking Cowboys draft room…

 

I think there’s at least a pretty good chance the Cowboys would have taken Elam if we hadn’t jumped up. At the very least, it’s easy to see why Beane thought it was a strong possibility.

[NastyNateSoldiers]

13 hours ago, Big Blitz said:

 

Joe Haden

 

Janoris Jenkins 

Over how many yrs u going way back for these guys. 
 

CJ Henderson

Vernon Hargraves

Teez Tabor

Duke Dawson

Quincey Wilson 

 

All drafted in first few rds all trash. Like I said before I trust McBeane when it comes to secondary players. They know more then we’ll ever know and there track record speaks for itself.

 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

6 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

Haden was the only one that really panned out otherwise bunch of busts

It means very little. 

[Logic]

7 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

Over how many yrs u going way back for these guys. 
 

CJ Henderson

Vernon Hargraves

Teez Tabor

Duke Dawson

Quincey Wilson 

 

All drafted in first few rds all trash. Like I said before I trust McBeane when it comes to secondary players. They know more then we’ll ever know and there track record speaks for itself.

 

 

Scout the player, not the helmet.

 

 

[goober]

23 minutes ago, IronMaidenBills said:

This was the guy I wanted before I went all Breece Hall crazy. He is a good instinctive CB with size and speed. Something we have needed for a while. 

Crazy?  Of course not!!  Excessively enthusiastic, perhaps bordering on deranged obsession?  Perhaps a tad...

Edited April 29, 2022 by goober

[Simon]

3 minutes ago, Logic said:

 

Scout the player, not the helmet.

 

 

I agree to some extent, but not so far that I would be willing to draft a QB from someplace like Wyoming......

[Doc]

15 minutes ago, Logic said:

I had forgotten that Cowboys presumed CB2 Kelvin Joseph is in legal trouble and is potentially facing charges.

 

Given that fact, Elam’s fit in a Dan Quinn defense, and the sullen looking Cowboys draft room…

 

I think there’s at least a pretty good chance the Cowboys would have taken Elam if we hadn’t jumped up. At the very least, it’s easy to see why Beane thought it was a strong possibility.

 

Not to mention Stef's little bro will probably be looking for a gigantic contract next off-season.

[Jackalope89]

1 minute ago, Simon said:

I agree to some extent, but not so far that I would be willing to draft a QB from someplace like Wyoming......

I know, right? No way that would ever work.

[Norcalbillsfan]

6 minutes ago, Logic said:

 

Scout the player, not the helmet.

 

 

I heard QBs out of wyoming have never worked out either 

[Rocky Landing]

3 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Not to mention Stef's little bro will probably be looking for a gigantic contract next off-season.

One they'll probably be willing to pay.

[Simon]

3 minutes ago, Jackalope89 said:

I know, right? No way that would ever work.

 

Ha!

I knew jackalopes were real!

[JGMcD2]

1 hour ago, BillsVet said:

 

Reid and Veach are secure in their off-season moves at WR and offense as a whole.  You can draft defense when offense is prioritized which aligns with current league trends. 

 

 

Let's examine this great quote as it pertains to pass catchers...

 

Reid/Veach this off-season:

 

ADDED/KEPT

• Marquez Valdes-Scantling (3 year deal)
• Juju Smith-Schuster (1 year deal)

MOVED ON

• Demarcus Robinson (FA)
• Byron Pringle (FA)
• Tyreek Hill (Trade)

 

McDermott/Beane this off-season:

 

ADDED/KEPT

• Stefon Diggs (4 year extension + 2 existing years left)
• Isaiah McKenzie (2 year extension)
• Jamison Crowder (1 year FA)
• OJ Howard (1 year FA)

MOVED ON

• Emmanuel Sanders (FA)
• Cole Beasley (Release)

 

What exactly did Reid/Veach do different than McDermott/Beane this off-season that screams "offense is prioritized" ?

[Doc]

6 minutes ago, Rocky Landing said:

One they'll probably be willing to pay.

 

We shall see.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

33 minutes ago, Perry Turtle said:

White and Elam could be the best pair of cornerbacks the Bills have ever had.

 

Beane continues to improve a team that was 13 seconds away from back-to-back AFC championship games. And that's not an easy task.

 

 

Not an easy task indeed....Especially when you keep the same coaches that cost us a SuperBowl...sorry I could not resist

 

Beane has had a great off-season. Love almost every move. If they do not get a WR in next two rounds, I would bring back Sanders. I would bring back Hughes too. Hopefully add OL, new punter, and another DB in the next two days.

[SlimShady'sSpaceForce]

 

 

 

 

[Alphadawg7]

21 minutes ago, JGMcD2 said:

Let's examine this great quote as it pertains to pass catchers...

 

Reid/Veach this off-season:

 

ADDED/KEPT

• Marquez Valdes-Scantling (3 year deal)
• Juju Smith-Schuster (1 year deal)

MOVED ON

• Demarcus Robinson (FA)
• Byron Pringle (FA)
• Tyreek Hill (Trade)

 

McDermott/Beane this off-season:

 

ADDED/KEPT

• Stefon Diggs (4 year extension + 2 existing years left)
• Isaiah McKenzie (2 year extension)
• Jamison Crowder (1 year FA)
• OJ Howard (1 year FA)

MOVED ON

• Emmanuel Sanders (FA)
• Cole Beasley (Release)

 

What exactly did Reid/Veach do different than McDermott/Beane this off-season that screams "offense is prioritized" ?

Stop using all this logic and facts.  It interferes with the base less, fact less, and pointless whining for the sake of whining around here.  

[muppy]

34 minutes ago, Simon said:

I agree to some extent, but not so far that I would be willing to draft a QB from someplace like Wyoming......

TOUCHE' 🙂

[ddaryl]

34 minutes ago, Norcalbillsfan said:

I heard QBs out of wyoming have never worked out either 

Never say Never.. Its bound to happen some day

[BADOLBILZ]

3 hours ago, HappyDays said:

 

The OL was mostly fine after Bates got inserted. Bates plus Saffold is a huge improvement on what the Bills fielded at guard earlier in the season. They added Quessenberry to make sure Spencer Brown isn't handed the job.

 

YAC receivers are found on day two of the draft every year. I still expect the Bills to get one.

 

 

I said elsewhere that if you add Von Miller to our team last year we likely win the Chiefs game, and if you add Kaiir Elam we likely win the Bucs game. Those were the two most glaring holes on the team.

 

 

I like Bates but he is not why the OL started looking better.

 

The OL looked better when Josh Allen started running 10+ times..........that's what took the starch out of pass rushes and put defenses in catch mode..........not knowing if he was going to stand in the pocket where they could just target him and ignore their other responsibilities.

 

In the midst of their late season panic-scramble to make the playoffs,  and after the foot injury in Tampa,   they clearly made a concerted effort not to run Josh against Carolina and he got sacked 4 times and struggled.

 

They currently have no promising backups at guard or center or a swing tackle with LT capability.    

 

Cody Ford status went from *meh-be* a guard to seemingly a lost cause last season and Ike Boettger is coming off a torn achilles and was largely ineffective prior.     Saffold came out of like 8 games injured last season and is very old for a guard.    If he is healthy *maybe* he is an upgrade over Williams but he certainly isn't as versatile so I don't really get the "huge improvement" talk.   That feels a lot like the Sanders signing.......not much left in the tank........maybe not even a full season.   Ques is the only reserve who they might be able to expect decent play from and he allowed 11 sacks last year as a starter.

 

I agree that YAC receivers can be found all over but ideally you find one with WR1 capability as well.    The first rounders have more likely traits to turn into WR1 with big YAC.   You can get one later the same way you can get a much faster but also zone scheme compatible CB later in Tariq Woolen or Kalon Barnes.    The difference is that those guys are more tooled up  relative to the McDuffie/Elam picks than the late receivers are to Jameson Williams/Olave/Burks picks.

 

As for Kaiir Elam making a difference in the Tampa game........I doubt it.   Again, the issue wasn't CB play it was a lack of pass rush.   I like Elam,  he has solid traits for a late first rounder...........but I do question if they have invested too much.    One of their great organization efficiencies has been getting excellent play from low pedigree CB's.    Maybe they will suddenly play more press and the traits will make a difference.  Or maybe not.   I don't trust the Bills to change their plan defensively from opponent to opponent.   That's just not how they've operated, unfortunately.