Marquice Cole

Ravens Auditioning Cornerbacks

2:00pm: Former Jet and Patriot Marquice Cole will also be among the players auditioning for the Ravens this week, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

1:38pm: Free agent cornerback Dominique Franks will also attend the Ravens’ minicamp this week in the hopes of earning a contract, reports Wilson (via Twitter).

12:28pm: Earlier today, we learned that the Ravens inquired on Brandon Flowers, but the former Chief isn’t the only defensive back the club is keeping an eye on. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are monitoring the cornerback market, with Drayton Florence among the players under consideration. In Florence’s case, there appears to be mutual interest.

“I would love to play for the purple and black!” Florence told Wilson. “I can bring leadership and experience and help the team win. The Ravens are a first-class organization, and I want to be a part of their team.”

Florence confirmed to Wilson (Twitter link) that he’s headed to the Ravens’ minicamp this week to audition for the club. Another free agent corner, Aaron Ross, tweeted today that he’ll also be in attendance on a tryout basis. Neither player is assured of a contract with the team, but I expect Baltimore to ink at least one cornerback to a deal following the minicamp, whether it’s Florence, Ross, or another participant.

The Ravens are looking to create some additional competition for the slot corner role that Corey Graham filled last season. Graham, the team’s primary nickelback, headed to Buffalo in free agency, so someone new will have to step up as the third option behind starters Lardarius Webb and Jimmy Smith. While it may ultimately be a free agent signee that earns the job, in-house options Chykie Brown and Asa Jackson will also be given the opportunity to impress the coaching staff.