Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam hopes to find new life with the Dallas Cowboys.
After struggling mightily in his three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, Elam was traded to Dallas this offseason. The corner feels rejuvenated in Texas.
"I feel like the energy here is something I've never been a part of," Elam said on Tuesday, via the team's website. "I love the enthusiasm, and also I would just say the energy from the coaching staff, they actually make you feel like they care, and that's something that's very exciting."
Some of that energy could be the reduced expectations. Whereas in Buffalo, Elam entered with high expectations as the No. 23 overall pick in 2022 but never played the part. He was leapfrogged by sixth-round classmate Christian Benford out of the gate. Elam started just 12 games in three seasons in Buffalo and, when on the field, couldn’t hang. He was particularly picked on in the postseason when the Bills needed him to play man coverage against Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs receivers.
With the Cowboys' Trevon Diggs coming off injury and third-rounder Shavon Revel Jr. still nursing an issue, Elam has a chance early this offseason to make a mark in Matt Eberflus’ scheme and potentially earn a role.
Elam said he’s already picked up a lot from the new staff.
"All aspects of the game, just playing the game before the game is even played," Elam said. "Being able to eliminate routes and also expect what's coming so you don't have to play with your full athleticism, you can play with your mind first."