The Dallas Cowboys still have work to do with their roster as we sit here in mid-June, but they deserve credit for the moves they've already made. While receiver George Pickens figures to have the biggest impact, cornerback Kaiir Elam has the potential to be the biggest return on investment.
Other than Pickens, Elam has arguably been the biggest winner from offseason workouts. He stood out at OTAs and that momentum has carried over to mandatory minicamp.
Per multiple Cowboys reporters on the scene, Elam recorded another pass breakup in team drills. That gives him at least one PBU in every practice since Dallas returned to the field, including both minicamp sessions.
New Cowboys cornerback Kaiir Elam continues to stand out at practice
"Another pretty decent day for our guy Elam," Bryan Broaddus said on 105.3 The Fan. " ... There was another time where they tried to throw the ball inside to (CeeDee) Lamb and Elam was inside on that one and knocked the ball down. They were trying to isolate CeeDee 1-on-1 with Elam and Elam was able to make a play ... It was nice to see him carry a couple different routes."
That is par for the course for Elam this offseason.
It is important not to put too much stock into practices without pads. The physicality pales in comparison to training camp. However, the Elam hype is not being overblown. He has made at least one PBU in every practice and would probably have a couple interceptions if more contact was allowed.
Read more: It took one practice for George Pickens to turn Cowboys minicamp into his own stage
We have not heard the same buzz concerning the team's other defensive players, including cornerback. Granted, the position is extremely banged up, but that takes nothing away from Elam outshining his running mates. It's no wonder he's getting a lot of burn with the starters.
It's no secret Elam hasn't lived up to being a first-round pick. It didn't work out in Buffalo for various reasons. He only started 12 games in three seasons.
It'd be one thing if the Cowboys overpaid for Elam, but they only gave up a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 seventh-rounder and got a 2025 sixth in return that was used on Oregon offensive lineman Ajani Cornelius, who has the potential to be a future swing tackle.
All Elam has to do to make the trade worthwhile is develop into a serviceable starter. That was a lot to ask at the time he was brought over, but it doesn't sound too farfetched now.
