Bills' polarizing first-round draft pick can leave no doubt about his future in Buffalo with a strong 2024 finish

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Jon Helmkamp | Last updated Nov 12, 2024 5:16 PM ET

The deadline for picking up a player's fifth-year option isn't until next spring, but the remainder of how this season plays out will go a long way to determine how the Buffalo Bills handle their 2022 first round pick, cornerback Kaiir Elam.

When you select a player in the first round, the hope is that they develop into a franchise cornerstone. Elam has been far from that, but his development has been notable. Without the pressure on his shoulders of being a top corner, Elam is fitting into a role on the defense that gives him the opportunity to continue to grow.

The addition of veteran corner Rasul Douglas last season gave the Bills their top option. Christian Benford, who the Bills selected in the fifth round of the same 2022 NFL Draft that they took Elam in, has surpassed Elam on the depth chart. He's playing like one of the best corners in the league, which has been a pleasant surprise and a great development for head coach Sean McDermott and the Bills' defense.

For Elam, he has an important back half of the season to make a positive mark on this team. So far in limited opportunities this season, he's allowed five receptions on six targets, but has effectively shut down opposing wide receivers from creating separation. There's certainly flashes of the athletic cornerback that the Bills moved up two picks to select, but the consistency has been lacking.

Elam has six regular season games and the playoffs left to build a case for the Bills to pick up his fifth-year option or, better yet, a short extension, but time is running out. He'll need a combination of opportunities and production to turn it around.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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