Kaiir Elam declares for the 2022 NFL Draft
Kaiir Elam has declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Gators star cornerback, who is projected as a first-round pick, announced his decision Monday on social media.
“My family and I have been discussing my decision for next year. We feel like it’s essential for me to forego my senior season and start preparing for the NFL Combine and draft,” Elam said in a video. “I’ll forever be a Gator. I’ll forever be grateful for all the fans and all the people that stuck with us through the ups and downs. Being able to come back to the Swamp is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. Being a Gator is something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Elam came to Florida from the Benjamin School and was thrust into a starting role right away. After Marco Wilson suffered an ACL tear, Elam started five games and was named to the Coaches Freshman All-SEC Team. Elam finished that season with 11 tackles, four pass breakups and three interceptions, including a pick in the Orange Bowl.
“Freshman year was definitely one of the funniest years I ever had,” Elam said in the video. “Making my decision to come here, I felt like the University of Florida was a no-brainer, honestly. Not even the tradition or anything. I just felt like in my heart I was making the best decision to come here.”
Elam had his love of football tested during his sophomore year. The 2020 season was greatly affected by COVID-19, creating challenges for everyone.
Elam started all 12 games and was named to the Coaches All-SEC First Team, making 39 tackles (28 solo), two interceptions, 11 pass breakups and one fumble recovery.
“The 2020 year definitely tested my faith and love for football,” he said. “They were talking about not even having a season. For us to play, I couldn’t take that for granted.”
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Kaiir Elam never opted out despite draft status
Elam started 10 games as a junior and finished the season with 29 tackles, an interception and five pass breakups.
He missed three games with a knee sprain, but performed well against No. 1 Alabama and broke up three passes. After returning from injury, Elam played the final seven games and didn’t opt out despite the coaching changes and his draft status.
ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay projects the Arizona Cardinals to select Elam with the 30th overall pick.
Elam finishes his career with 79 tackles, 20 pass breakups and six interceptions in 35 games played.
“These last three years have been nothing but a blessing. I wouldn’t trade this for the world,” Elam said. “I wouldn’t trade this for nothing else. It taught be a lot of lessons. It taught me how to keep battling, how to take a lick and keep going.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Elam allowed on 53 receptions for 636 yards across 114 career targets. That equates to a 46.5 completion percentage, which compares well to former Gators Vernon Hargreaves III (47.5%), Duke Dawson (52.7%), Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (54.8%), and Marco Wilson (60.5%).
