As the Dallas Cowboys navigate concerns about their cornerback depth with Trevon Diggs and third-round rookie Shavon Revel Jr. sidelined by ACL injuries, a surprising standout has emerged during the team’s offseason workouts. Kaiir Elam, acquired in a March trade with the Buffalo Bills, is making a strong case to become a key piece of the Cowboys’ defense.
Elam’s tenure in Buffalo may not have lived up to expectations, but the 6-foot-1, 191-pound cornerback brings 29 games and 12 starts over three seasons to Dallas. His experience, paired with his blazing 4.39 speed, is already paying dividends in the early stages of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Following an impressive initial practice open to the media, Elam continued to shine in Thursday’s session, recording another pass breakup on a throw from quarterback Dak Prescott.
Cowboys staff writer Tommy Yarrish highlighted Elam’s impact during the first media-accessible OTA practice, noting his multiple pass breakups (PBUs) and ability to stick to receivers in man coverage. “Elam was one of the standouts from Tuesday’s media viewing, making several PBUs and sticking to his targets in man coverage well,” Yarrish wrote. “He fits the bill of what the Cowboys like at corner with a 6-foot-1, 191-pound frame and 4.39 speed that allows him to close really well.”
While it’s still early in the offseason, Elam’s hot start is a promising sign for a Cowboys defense in need of stability at cornerback. With Diggs working his way back from injury, Elam’s emergence could allow DaRon Bland to remain in his familiar nickel role, where he has thrived during OTAs. Meanwhile, rookie Shavon Revel Jr. is expected to be healthy for training camp, but it remains uncertain whether he’ll be ready to start by Week 1. This opens the door for a potential opening-day lineup featuring Bland, Elam, and Revel at cornerback.
The Cowboys also have depth options in 2024 fifth-round pick Caelen Carson and training camp standout Kemon Hall, who could compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. However, Elam’s early performance suggests he’s seizing the opportunity to claim a starting role. His ability to stack strong practices will be critical as the offseason progresses, especially with a clear path to the starting lineup.
Though it’s only OTAs, Elam’s dominance in these early sessions is turning heads and sending a message: the Cowboys’ under-the-radar trade acquisition could be a game-changer for their defense. Opposing offenses should take note—this is one Cowboy who’s ready to make an impact.