Buffalo Bills: 5 players facing pivotal offseason program
By Ryan Heckman
Buffalo Bills players facing pivotal offseason: Kaiir Elam, CB
When the Bills drafted Kaiir Elam a year ago in the first round, they figured the Florida product would be a sure-fire, no-doubt starter opposite of Tre'Davious White. In fact, some might have thought he was the perfect pick because the team would have to wait for White to recover from injury, and landing a first-round corner would help ease that pain.
In 13 games, as a rookie, Elam was more bad than he was good. He was targeted 47 times, allowing 33 receptions for 363 yards and three touchdowns. That's a 70 percent completion rate allowed and 11 yards allowed per reception for the rookie, whom the Bills expected far more out of.
Elam allowed an opposing quarterback rating of 96.3, as well, which isn't much to be proud of.
Now in his second year, Elam has to show the BIlls a big jump. This defense could be a lot better if only he is able to develop further, and faster, than he did as a rookie. Now that White is healthy, if Elam can grow into his own, then the Bills have a fantastic starting cornerback duo. But, if Elam doesn't take a step forward, then he risks becoming a disappointment and, even a bust, for a team that's trying to win a Super Bowl right now.