5 storylines for the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams

How does Kaiir Elam do in his first career NFL start?

After Von Miller, the biggest change for the Buffalo Bills defense this year is at cornerback with the addition of rookie Kaiir Elam. The Bills drafted Elam in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and he was the first cornerback the team drafted in the first round since Tre’Davious White in 2017.

That is essentially the player Elam is replacing in this defense as White was not ready to return from his ACL injury last year. In the three preseason games, Elam has made some nice plays but also has had some notable penalties which is something he can’t afford to do during the regular season.

This is a tough first game for any rookie as Elam will likely be targeted frequently by Matthew Stafford, who finished last year with the third most passing yards in the league. The hope for the Buffalo Bills is that their pass rush can help the inexperienced cornerbacks and getting consistent pressure on Stafford can limit the time he has in the pocket.