2012 Players To Watch: Corey Graham

Last season Cory Graham attended his first NFL Pro Bowl as a member of the Chicago Bears. He made the team due to his special teams play but Graham also had one of his best seasons as a defender for the Bears in 2011. He registered 16 tackles with three interceptions and two forced fumbles. All career highs for the special teams ace.

Graham was the Bears captain on special teams. A special teams unit that featured Devin Hester as their punt returner. So when the Ravens went out looking to improve on their special teams production from last season Graham was an easy pick. He is smart on the field, a sure tackler and works well with other players. In short he is a perfect fit on special teams.

However, the Ravens also got a player that is coming into his own defensively as well.Graham saw more time on the field on defense last season and excelled when given the opportunity. Usually brought in as the teams nickle back, Graham was just starting to find his niche in the Bears vaunted defense when he will now be forced to find his way onto the field on another. Graham will join a crowded secondary that includes several players in his very same position, trying to make the team as the nickle or dime defensive back. The biggest thing Cory has going for him is his outstanding special teams play. This will surly guarantee him a roster spot over someone not as proven.

Here in Baltimore Graham will be asked to simply do more of the same. The Ravens need to improve their special teams unit so they brought in Graham and veteran safety Sean Considine to work with their own special teams ace Bredon Ayanbadejo and hopefully figure out how to turn this group into one of the leagues best. On defense Graham will compete with Danney Gorrer, Asa Jackson and others to find playing time behind the Ravens starting trio of Jimmy Smith, Cary Williams and Lardarius Webb. Look for Graham's name to be called a lot on special teams and if their is an injury in the secondary he may be the next most experienced player on the roster and could be asked to step into a bigger role with the team.