Kaiir Elam shining since OTAs started in spring

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Buffalo Bills players had the opportunity on Friday to play in front of a record crowd of over 36,000 fans in Orchard Park during the "Return of the Blue and Red" practice.

It was the first chance for fans in Western New York to see the improvement in cornerback Kaiir Elam.

The Bills' 2022 first-round pick has had an excellent training camp, and is looking more like the guy Buffalo thought it were drafting. Elam feels like there are reasons why he’s been better in the lead up to this season.

"Just being more consistent, appreciating the moment. And everything I’ve been through, and to appreciate and to learn has helped me to become who I am right now," said Elam.

"It’s also playing fast and free, and having great coaches that expect perfection from me on every play. I’m staying poised, and not getting too high, even when I do make plays. And just staying on my technique and my eyes, and just making sure to be the player I know I can be."

Elam showed the fans how he’s been playing on Friday when he picked off quarterback Josh Allen during a drill in practice.

"Just reading Josh, and go and high point the ball and go take it away. I know coach is going to let me have it about celebrating too early," Elam said on Friday.

We can even go back to OTAs this spring, where Elam was making plays back then. He says it validates the work he puts in.

"I’m a firm believer in what you put in is what you get out of it. It might not happen when you want it to or when you think it should, but it’s going to always show," Elam said. "Now my teammates know they can count on me, and I’ll be there when they need me to."

Elam counts on learning from guys like Rasul Douglas and Taron Johnson. He says Johnson has always been there for him.

"He’s seen a lot more than I definitely have," Elam noted. "He has double the wisdom and knowledge that I have in the NFL, so he’s been a guy that anyone can lean on, not just myself."

Elam arrived in camp with a different outlook than years past.

"I just want to be a guy that my teammates can count on for them to be out there and do my job," he said. "I really believe I can take the ball away at a high level, so I’ve been working on what’s going to get me there: My feet, my eyes and giving great effort."

Bills head coach Sean McDermott talked about Elam on Sunday before practice. He says a few things have helped him improve the way he has.

"I think two things that come to mind: One is he continues to work tirelessly to improve, credit him for that, and then two the addition of Jahmile [Addae] (cornerbacks coach) and starting with a clean slate. The belief in there that with Bobby [Babich] and Joe Danna (safeties coach), and now Jahmile have added to, and those things combined, at least, early on here. I think has been what’s helped him."

Elam seemed genuinely appreciative of all the fans that came out on Friday.

"It’s amazing. It’s so inspiring to see how many people that really, truly care about us, and take the time and effort to come to a practice," he said. "I mean, it’s not even a live game yet, so it’s just crazy to see. That’s why you want to play for Buffalo."

The Bills had Saturday off from practice, but will be back on the field at St. John Fisher University for training camp on Sunday.