Morris Claiborne is the second of a trio of LSU cornerbacks to create a large interest in the NFL Draft in recent memory. Like Patrick Peterson before him, Claiborne is considered the #1 CB prospect in this year's class, but whether The Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu will be too, we'll have to wait and see. Claiborne is seen as more of a natural cover corner than the explosive and talented Peterson, showing excellent fluidity and burst to break up passes. He has 11 interceptions in his past two years in college, showing his top notch ball skills, but he is a little undersized and should be expected to be tested early by more physical NFL receivers. A word of warning though, of the 29 defensive backs drafted in the first round between 2006-2010, only 3 contributed enough to be fantasy starters as a rookie (10%) in a 16 team league, so do be careful about reaching too early for Claiborne if you need immediate help.
After a flurry of trades which saw Claiborne fall to the sixth overall pick, the Dallas Cowboys paid St Louis second round pick to move up 8 spots. A widely acknowledged position of need for the Cowboys, they have now added the draft’s #1 rated cornerback and Brandon Carr (+2.7) which is a massive upgrade to their secondary. Claiborne will be tested often as a starter as all rookie corners are, and he does have big-play ability, but to consider him more than a long-term dynasty option or deep league sleeper.
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