CBS Sports has released its latest NFL mock draft after the first week of free agency has flown by. In its most recent projection, they have the Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam still sitting as a fringe first-round draft pick, going to the Cincinnati Bengals with the 31st overall pick. Here is what they had to say about the selection.
Cincinnati adds a big body at cornerback. They have done well to upgrade the offensive line through free agency so that allows them flexibility in the first round. The Bengals have cobbled together a cornerback room in recent years but Elam gives them a long-term presence.
This pick makes a lot of sense for the Bengals after they did a superb job upgrading their offensive line through free agency to protect franchise quarterback Joe Burrow. Cincinnati could use a player like Elam because it ranked seventh-worst in the NFL in most passing yards allowed per game at 248.7 yards.
Elam didn’t have the best season for Florida in 2021 but still managed 29 tackles, five pass deflections and a pick. His career numbers, however, tell a different story. He recorded 78 tackles, 20 pass breakups and five interceptions during his three-year career.
Florida fans can see where he ultimately lands when the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off in Las Vegas on April 28.
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