As the 2022 NFL draft rapidly approaches, it’s becoming less and less clear how the New York Giants will use some of their early picks. An offensive tackle is a given, but then what?
A growing consensus seems to expect general manager Joe Schoen to target a cornerback, which leaves them several options. But should they wait until Round 2 (pick No. 36), the pool will be a bit more shallow.
There’s still talent to be had, however. Including Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam, who apparently has a few supporters in East Rutherford.
Some inside #Giants are high on CB Kaiir Elam, I’m told. Problem is he probably won’t last until pick 36. If they don’t get Sauce Gardner at 5 and trade from 7 to 20ish …. 🤔 #NFLDraft
— Ryan Dunleavy (@rydunleavy) April 25, 2022
Here is what NFL Network draft guru Lance Zierlein had to say about the son of former NFL safety Abram Elam.
Elam is the next up in a long line of talented Florida cornerbacks, but he failed to play his best football in his final collegiate season. He is patient and strong to mirror and impede releases but inconsistent staying connected to the early stages of the route. He plays with good awareness in zone and has the twitch and length to make plays on the throw when squatting in space. He was beat on deep patterns against Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia, which might have led to excessive grabbing and an overall lack of trust in his technique on the 2021 tape. He plays big at the catch point but smaller in run support. Elam has early CB3 and eventual CB2 value as a press and zone corner.
Most project Elam as a first-round pick with most mocks having him go off the board in the 20’s. He very rarely slides into the second round and even more rarely lasts until No. 36. But if the Giants opt to trade back from No. 7 (or even No. 5) and find themselves in the later part of the first round, he could become a realistic target.
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