Corey

Graham

A former Pro Bowl special teamer, Graham graded out positively by Pro Football Focus in 89 defensive snaps last season. Wherever he ends up, however, his main role will likely still be as a special teams linchpin.

Graham would be getting more interest if NFL teams thought of him as a capable cornerback. He would be a special teamer/dime back with the Lions.

NFL.com’s Jason La Canfora reports Graham is drawing interest from four other teams, and being considered as both a safety and cornerback. A former Pro Bowl special teamer, Graham played just 89 defensive snaps for the Bears in 2011.

The Pro Bowl special teamer had recently visited the Lions and Seahawks. Graham has 180 tackles, four interceptions and two forced fumbles in five seasons with the Bears. Baltimore is making a concerted effort to upgrade special teams, also hosting LB Isaiah Ekejiuba on Friday.

Graham started every game from Week 10 on after the Ravens were searching for a replacement at left corner for Lardarius Webb (torn ACL). His play was one of the main reasons the Ravens were able to advance to, and eventually win, the Super Bowl. Entering the final year of his deal, Graham could conceivably start again next season with Cary Williams set for free agency.

Graham officially started in Week 1, but the Ravens played three corners for the majority of their blowout loss to the Broncos. Graham was benched for Smith on Sunday, but still saw 38 snaps as the Ravens’ nickel corner. A 2011 first-round pick, Smith has made only seven career starts thanks in part to injuries.

Webb, the Ravens top corner, left in the second quarter and never returned. It suggests some kind of pull. Normally dependable backup Corey Graham got shredded for a 42-yard TD by Robert Woods after Webb left.

Graham was the Ravens’ most effective corner after injures forced him into the starting lineup last season. Entering the final year of his contract, he’ll need to followup his strong second half to earn a long-term extension. Graham is expected to compete with Jimmy Smith for a starting job in training camp.

Graham was a valuable nickel back and spot starter last year, setting career highs with 74 tackles and four interceptions. He appeared in all 16 games and graded out as a top-15 slot corner by Pro Football Focus. Graham is considered one of Baltimore’s top priorities, along with Eugene Monroe and Daryl Smith.

“Things have slowed down,” Graham said of the second year in coach Rex Ryan’s scheme. “Everybody knows what they’re doing. And we’ve got some new pieces in there that are looking really good.” Graham’s play fell off last season, but not to an unacceptable level. One of the most durable players in the league, Graham turns 31 next month.