2012 NFL Draft: 5 Potential Landing Spots for LSU's Morris Claiborne

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While Tyrann Mathieu stole all of the headlines for LSU's dominant defense this past defense, it was Morris Claiborne who handled the job of shutting down opposing teams' top receivers.

In fact, when it comes to cover corners, there wasn't a better one in all of college football in 2011 than Claiborne. Because of that, he is expected to be an early selection in this April's NFL draft.

But where will Claiborne be selected?

Several NFL draft experts have him going in the top three, while others have him in the middle of the first round.

Let's take a look at five potential landing destinations for Morris Claiborne in the upcoming draft.

Minnesota Vikings: No. 3

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The Minnesota Vikings were pretty close to pathetic on both sides of the ball this past season, but outside of Jared Allen, this team really doesn't have any stars on the defensive side of the ball.

Morris Claiborne has the lockdown cornerback skills to come in and start for the Vikings from Day 1.

Personally, I think that the Vikings will select USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil if he is available at No. 3, but if St. Louis scoops him up with their No. 2 pick, look for Minnesota to grab Claiborne.

Tampa Bay Bucaneers: No. 5

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Now that we are in the middle of February, NFL experts across the country are beginning to release their respected mock drafts.

The majority of those mock drafts have the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Claiborne with the No. 5 overall selection.

As mentioned earlier, Claiborne is a lockdown corner with the ideal size and speed to come in and make an immediate impact at the next level.

With Aqib Talib currently awaiting trial for aggravated assault, and Ronde Barber on his last legs in the NFL, Tampa Bay is going to need immediate help in that secondary. Claiborne fits perfectly here.

Washington Redskins: No. 6

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The Washington Redskins legitimately need an upgrade at every position.

When that's the case, a team like that has the follow the "take the best player available" rule.

If the Redskins do indeed hold onto that No. 6 pick and Claiborne is still available (and Robert Griffin III off the board), you have to believe that the Redskins will grab him because he is the best player available at that point.

Personally, I think that the Redskins will trade up with St. Louis and try to get Griffin with that No. 2 selection.  

Jacksonville Jaguars: No. 7

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With all the struggles Blaine Gabbert had his rookie season, many believe the Jaguars will do whatever it takes to surround their young quarterback with some talent on offense.

However, if wideout Justin Blackmon is off the board by the time the Jaguars are on the clock with at No. 7, then what direction do the Jags take?

They certainly don't need a running back as Maurice Jones-Drew is the lone bright spot on offense. Jacksonville would like a wide receiver, but if Blackmon's gone, this seems a little too early to make a reach on Alshon Jeffrey.

Therefore, look for the Jaguars to flip the script and try to improve their weakest aspect on defense, which is their secondary.

Claiborne would be a starter for this team from Day 1, no question about it.

Carolina Panthers: No. 8

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Like Jacksonville, the Carolina Panthers would love to get some help for Cam Newton, which makes me believe that if Justin Blackmon is available here, they will jump at it.

But outside of receiver, the Panthers are pretty set on the offensive side of the ball with a solid run game, two viable tight ends, and a great O-line. Because Blackmon is likely to be gone here, look for Carolina to draft defense.

Of course, chances are that Claiborne will also likely be off the board at this point, but if he is available, the Panthers would jump a the opportunity to add an elite cover corner to a secondary that allowed just under 4,000 yards and 28 passing touchdowns last season.

With a star like Cam Newton on offense and Morris Claiborne on defense, this team could make some real noise in the future.