In his first year as Buffalo Bills head coach, it's to be expected that Rex Ryan would have a few tricks up his sleeve. The boisterous defensive guru has always upended common perception. But it's fair to say that no one saw this latest development coming.
Bills free agent wide receiver Percy Harvin reportedly lined up for a few snaps at cornerback during last Friday's training camp sessions. Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com reports that Harvin approached Ryan about lining up at CB occasionally. Ryan said he will give Harvin a few snaps at the position from time to time to see what his capabilities are.
Rex said Harvin came to him about lining up at CB here & there. Ryan said he'll line up there from time 2 time & see what he can do. #Bills
— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) July 31, 2015
Harvin is a special athlete who, physically, fits the mold of a cornerback so it can't be immediately assumed that he won't be able to contribute there. However, the move seems like a hollow attempt by Harvin to shed the "gadget player" label that is so closely associated with him.
Harvin hasn't been a consistently healthy impact player since the 2011 season, missing 25 games over the last three years. Harvin was largely unproductive in 13 games last season with the Seattle Seahawks and New York jets, catching 51 passes for just 483 yards and one touchdown (though he did make an impact in Seattle's 2014 Super Bowl victory).
What's more, the Bills have one of the more effective pass defenses in the league. The team ranked third in yards-allowed-per-game through the air (205.8), tenth in opposing completion percentage (60.3) and first in sacks (54) last season. The need for Harvin at the position doesn't appear to be a great one.
But, at 27, Harvin is the perfect candidate for the one-year, $6 million "prove it" deal he is currently playing on. He is talented and young enough to take a small chance on, especially if he can contribute elsewhere on the field. Ryan is smart enough to recognize that and will give him every opportunity to contribute in 2015.
