NFL Draft 2012: Morris Claiborne and Top Secondary Prospects

With quarterbacks playing as well as they are in the NFL, a lot of teams are looking for secondary help.

Whether they're a cornerback or safety, each of these players would be great additions to a team's secondary. They're great in college, and they'll be very good in the NFL.

5. Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame

Smith is ranked as the second-best safety in the draft, and he will probably go in the second round. He's a very good athlete, and he can do a lot as a safety.

He will not be great right away, but with some good coaching, he could become a very serviceable safety. In time, Smith could even become an All-Pro player.

4. Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Barron is easily the best safety in the draft. He's an incredible player, and he's got enough athleticism to make a difference at the next level.

His intangibles and durability bring up some questions. He tore his pectoral muscle in 2010, and he was arrested for second-degree hindering of prosecution. Between those two things, teams might not jump after him.

He's undoubtedly the most talented safety, but his character issues and injury history could cause teams to hesitate on picking him.

3. Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

He's one of the most underrated players in the draft, and he is a spectacular cover corner. He is very fast, and a good competitor, despite being undersized.

He hurt his shoulder in 2009 and was concussed in 2010. Between those injuries, teams might be wary of him.

On top of that, he's a below-average tackler who's known to get in heated battles, even fights. You want your cornerbacks to be good competitors, but they need to keep it under control. If Dennard can't control himself, he will drop a few picks, but he shouldn't fall out of the first round.

2. Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

He is a good athlete, and he is a hard worker. Depending on the team he goes to, he could make a difference right away. Alabama has an NFL-caliber defense, and he is a standout.

Kirkpatrick is a very good player. Assuming his shoulder injuries don't scare teams away, he'll be a top-10 pick.

1. Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne is a raw talent, but he's the real deal. When presented with a challenge, he will rise to it.

He went to LSU as a wide receiver, but moved to cornerback. Accordingly, he is a great athlete with great hands. Claiborne understands his abilities, and he knows how to make plays.

Again, he doesn't know the position extremely well yet, but he is worth the high pick. He is a good player, and he will soon become great.