By Jonah Bronstein
ORCHARD PARK — If the NFL season started in June, cornerback Drayton Florence would likely start for the Buffalo Bills.
When the games do get under way in September, it’s possible Florence will no longer be on the roster.
Florence, 28, a former second-round pick of the San Diego Chargers, signed with the Bills in March, following a disappointing 2008 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With fellow cornerbacks Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, and Ashton Youboty injured at various points during the Bills recently completed offseason program, Florence spent much of the time practicing with the starting unit.
Only McGee is locked into his role as the team’s No. 1 corner. Right now, Florence seems to be competing with McKelvin, and his first-round draft status, to start opposite McGee. Youboty could also be in the mix.
Defensive backs coach George Catavolos said Florence will also see practice as a nickel corner during training camp. Second-year player Reggie Corner was impressive in that role during offseason practices, and Youboty was the nickel corner at the start of last season.
“You always go into a new team trying to compete for a starting spot, no matter what the situation is,” Florence said. “I feel pretty good. I’m catching on to everything they’re throwing at me, getting adjusted to the teammates I’m playing with back in the secondary.”
“Drayton is athletic, he is smart, he’s been around the game a long time, he’s a hard worker, and he understands the game,” Catavolos said. “Right now he has to learn our system and be a little bit more consistent in what we ask as far as our techniques. But we’re happy to have him.”
After starting 43 games in his first five seasons with the Chargers, the 6-foot, 195-pound Florence signed a lucrative free agent contract with Jacksonville last spring. But he fell out of the starting lineup by season’s end, and the Jaguars decided they did not want a nickel cornerback with a contract averaging about $6 million per year.
“Overall it wasn’t a good year for the team or myself,” said Florence, adding while he was surprised to get released, he understands the business of football.
Shortly after free agent Jabari Greer signed with the New Orleans Saints, the Bills gave Florence a two-year deal reportedly worth $6.6 million.
“The need for another corner to come help them out was prevalent,” Florence said. “And they’re top five in special teams every year, so it’s probably a good opportunity for me.”
Still, some see Florence as this year’s version of Will James, the cornerback who was signed as a free agent in the spring, spent all of training camp working as the top nickel cornerback, then wound up being cut when Youboty emerged during preseason.
If seventh-round pick Ellis Lankster shows promise during training camp, Florence could get squeezed out. And while second-round pick Jairus Byrd, a college corner, is expected to move to free safety, his presence may allow defensive coordinator Perry Fewell to deploy Donte Whitner at cornerback in nickel situations, a preferred tactic last season.
Since minicamp ended, Florence has focused on fundraising events for his Florence Foundation, which provides education, holiday events and technology programs to children in his native, Ocala, Fla.
Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at 282-2311, ext. 2261.
