In last year of deal, Elam has much to prove
On May 1, the Ravens declined to pick up the fifth year of Elam's contract, making him an unrestricted free agent after the 2016 season. If he plays well this season, Elam could get a new contract.
If he doesn't, goodbye.
“This has got to be my year; this is the last year of the contract,” said Elam, in his fourth season out of Florida. “I want to come back and play for the Ravens, but I also have to impress the scouts, get better and help this team win.
General manager Ozzie Newsome “has to trust me, and I think I have the ability to play here and play like a Raven.”
Few in the organization want Elam to succeed more than Newsome, because he made Elam the No. 32 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft. General managers don't like to fail on any selections, but a disappointing pick in the first round becomes almost personal.
Newsome hasn't had many. It's a short list that includes wide receivers Mark Clayton and Travis Taylor and quarterback Kyle Boller. The verdict is still out on wide receiver Breshad Perriman and, of course, on Elam.
“No, there is no pressure, because I know what I have to do this season,” Elam said. “This is what I live for; this is what I have prepared for all my life, was an opportunity to prove myself.”
Elam proved himself during his rookie season, starting 15 of 16 games. He wasn't great but respectable, finishing with 77?tackles and three passes defended.
But in 2014, he started only 11 games and had only 50 tackles. He became a liability in pass coverage and missed a lot of open-field tackles. He appeared in great shape as training camp opened last season, and there were some within the organization who thought he might finally play up to his potential.
But on the first day of contact in training camp, Elam tore his biceps, which required surgery and forced him out for the season.
“But I learned a lot from last year, even though I hated being on the sideline. Overall, it made me a better player because I got a chance to really study offenses and I learned from other people's mistakes.”
Elam has a tough fight ahead of him to get playing time this season. The starting safeties are Lardarius Webb and Eric Weddle, but Elam has been working as the third or “box” safety in several of the Ravens' coverage packages.
His weight is down and he finally looks comfortable in the defense. Maybe the most positive thing that happened to Elam was the addition of two veterans and mentors working ahead of him in Webb and Weddle.
“I think I am doing well, trying to get better and learning every day,” Elam said. “I need to get better in everything from fundamentals to catching the ball and improving my technique. I think our coaches are great and they help you a lot, but there is nothing like having someone with experience on the field with you who can help you at that precise moment.”
Weddle, a three-time Pro Bowl selection with the San Diego Chargers who signed with the Ravens in the offseason, already has developed a strong relationship with Elam.
“I think he is talented, hungry and been humbled by his first couple of years in the league with his play and injuries,” Weddle said. “But he cares. He loves the game, his teammates and he listens. He is always asking questions and trying to get better. I think the world of him, and am trying everything in my power to give him knowledge and tidbits to help him on the field.”
The final decision on Elam's playing time will be made by defensive coordinator Dean Pees, and even he has been impressed with Elam so far. But the Ravens haven't had a full week of training camp yet.
“He is playing safety, dime in the box a little bit in some of our sub packages,” Pees said. “He is quick, tough and has been working hard. He has really improved and hopefully, he can stay healthy this time.”
And if that happens, maybe he can stay around for a few more years.
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