Raiders go on the defensive in latest 3-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
![Florida Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) breaks up a pass during the football game between the Florida Gators and The Alabama Crimson Tide, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 18, 2021. n]Flat 09182021 Ufvs Bama 22](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16781151-87cfd3ac3395f73b7a05cb8440da368e47dfeee74b51833b296ebc950e50b289.jpg "Florida Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam (5) breaks up a pass during the football game between the Florida Gators and The Alabama Crimson Tide, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Sept. 18, 2021. n]Flat 09182021 Ufvs Bama 22")
Raiders go on the defensive in latest 3-round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
The Raiders’ need to address the cornerback position after 2021 has left some concerns. Casey Hayward was the team’s number one corner, but he’s 32, so age is a concern. Trayvon Mullen was unable to stay healthy last season after a promising start to his career.
Damon Arnette is gone, one of the biggest busts in recent memory for the Raiders. This is why picking up Florida’s Kaiir Elam makes a lot of sense for the first round.
In the last two seasons while at Florida, Elam had 16 pass deflections, three interceptions, and 2.5 tackles for a loss. Pro Football Focus graded him at 77.1 in run defense and 76.8 for his pass-rushing prowess. He played a total of 473 snaps outside as a corner last year, but also 89 in addition to those snaps where he defended the slot.
Elam’s length, size, and athleticism are quite obvious while standing at six-foot-two. His physical style of play stands out on film. Upon his arrival in the NFL, he’ll likely exceed in playing zone, but he’ll have no problem being physical against receivers in press coverage. If they go this route, Elam will likely be a starting corner for the Raiders.