NFL Draft Profile: Kaiir Elam, Cornerback, Florida Gators

NFL draft profile scouting report for Florida cornerback, Kaiir Elam

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#5
Pos: CB
Ht: 6014
Wt: 191
Hands: 0878
Arms: 3078
40: 4.39
DOB: 5/5/01
Eligible: 2022
Riviera Beach, FL
The Benjamin School

Kaiir Elam
Florida Gators

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Pros:

Long boundary corner with prototypical length and physicality. Loves playing from a press alignment where he utilizes a hands before feet approach, often opting to use his length to disrupt receivers with off-hand stabs and two-hand jams. Emphasizes using a kick step to win against vertical releases and force receivers off their path. Most comfortable playing away from the line of scrimmage whether it be in off-man or zone coverage. Shows good feel in zone coverage for seeing routes develop and passing routes off to attach to another. Impressive short area quickness for his size when driving downhill, showing good burst out of his breaks with clean footwork. Physical throughout the route with savvy veteran tricks, pushes down on the shoulder pads of receivers and keeps his hands on them without being grabby. Consistently will compete at the catchpoint with his length and very good ball skills to produce high pass breakup numbers and interceptions. Translates his physicality into the run game, shows good play strength to hold the edge on blocks while being a strong tackler.

Cons

Can be a lunger from press, putting himself at a disadvantage at times where he has to just open and run with receivers. Long speed is concerning as he does not have the foot speed to consistently carry receivers vertically, lacking recovery speed needed to get back in phase when out of position. Lacks burst and acceleration when needing to flip his hips to stay in phase, needing a few steps before he gets going. Looks to be more of a scheme-specific corner at this point in his development despite having a ton of experience.

Summary

Long limbed, physical corner who looks like he was born to be the next corner in the Seattle Cover 3 style scheme that has taken over the league. Has mastered the kick step from press that Cover 3 teams look for as a changeup while having the IQ and short area quickness to play tight on throws underneath. Limited athlete who will struggle to run with faster and twitchier receivers, will not hold up playing predominantly man at the next level. Projects as a strong starting cornerback in a Cover 3 scheme in the NFL or a scheme that allows him to play a majority of his reps away from the line of scrimmage.

Background: 

Raised in Riviera Beach, Florida. Born on May 5, 2001. Four-star recruit according to 247Sports. Played both defensive back and receiver in high school. Ran track and played basketball in high school. Had over 40 offers coming out of high school. Major is unknown. Academic standout. Father Abe had a seven-year NFL career. Uncle Matt was the 32nd pick in the 2013 NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens and was cut after getting arrested for drug and later battery and theft charges.

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One-Liners

Long-limbed, physical corner who looks like he was born to be the next corner in the Seattle Cover 3 style scheme that has taken over the league.

Grades

2nd Round