Corey Graham: Cornerback or Safety?

Dec 8, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright (17) has the ball knocked away by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Corey Graham (24) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

When Corey Graham was brought in during free agency, the first question that came up was where will he play.  Both Marrone and Whaley have stated that Graham is able to play the corner position very well and he is also a good nickel guy as well.  Graham also has the talent to be a good safety, something the Bills maybe be lacking come training camp, depending on how Duke Williams, Searcy and Meeks pan out.  We may see Graham as a combo with Aaron Williams. This wouldn’t surprise me at all.

Doug Marrone made a recent comment on Graham and his ability to play anywhere in the secondary back on May 10th.

"“His primary position obviously is corner. But he is also someone that can play the safety position.”"

Whaley has basically the same sentiments on Graham.

"“Right now he’s got the flexibility to do both [cornerback and safety]. … I think that’s going to be worked out either way. That’s more of a coaching question. A lot of times it works out because we get into camp and if we have injuries at safety then he has the flexibility to move to safety. If there’s a rash of injuries at corner, he’ll be predominantly a corner. At the end of camp I’ll be able to give you a better answer.”"

Whaley also wasn’t afraid to also show his confidence in the three younger guys at the position but also reserved the fact that if a safety was available in the draft that they wouldn’t hesitate to get him.

"“We believe in the guys we have on campus. Meeks and Searcy and Duke Williams. We think it’s time for one of those guys to step up. It won’t preclude us, if we see a safety there [in the draft] who can come in and help us we’ll go get him.”"

I like Stephon Gilmore to start and I know Graham will compete for the number 2 against Leodis McKelvin and give him a good run for his money.  The odd man out will get the starting nod at nickel.  This is if they keep him at corner.  I like him at corner and think that he has the tools to step in a play safety as well.  We do have a number of younger guys there as well, but they haven’t stepped up yet.  Duke played decent last year.  Searcy has been here the longest and doesn’t seem to be making any strides, and it hurt him when Aaron Williams moved from corner to safety.

Check out the rest of the quotes by Marrone and Whaley regarding Graham.  ESPN’s Mike Rodak compiled them all as well as projected his take on where Graham will be playing.