NFL Draft 2012: Will Morris Claiborne Be the First Defensive Player Selected?

If we learned anything from last season, it's this: offenses in the National Football League have never been more prominent than they are now, especially the passing game.

Picking up a stud wide receiver in Justin Blackmon is appealing. Finding a great offensive lineman (such as Matt Kalil) to solidify the front five is a very attractive option. The old saying, "The best defense is a great offense," is a somewhat logical one, but let's be honest folks.

There is a thing called defense in the NFL, and shutting down an opposing number one receiver can be huge in silencing the air attack in such a pass-happy league.

Morris Claiborne is that shutdown cornerback, and there is not a single defensive player that could make the impact that Claiborne will. With exceptional speed and great fundamentals, Claiborne can adapt to the NFL and defensive assignments the moment he steps onto an NFL field.

He played in the SEC, where the depth of talent at wide receiver (let alone any other position) is astounding. Morris has covered different types of wide receivers tremendously under a very defensive-minded coach. Why couldn't he succeed?

Though I hate to use the combine as an example, Claiborne did not run an impressive 40-yard dash time. However, the drills he performed looked rehearsed. Stunning, like he could do them with his eyes closed.

Scouts do not look at a single run that went for 40 yards: they look at footwork, fundamentals, and awareness. Don't let the combine fool you. Claiborne has great speed (despite his 40-yard dash), and on top of his knowledge of playing the position, this guy could be phenomenal.

But the draft works in mysterious ways, and teams may go with what they want rather than what they need. The No. 2 overall pick is being shopped around quite a bit, and the offenses among the bottom seven teams desperately need help. A defensive player would obviously not help that.

However, let's approach the draft order and see what possibilities we could see on April 28th.

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Need I say more?

2. Washington Redskins (from STL): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

I can't see Peyton Manning signing with the Redskins after Daniel Snyder has turned their franchise upside down. If he does go to Washington, this pick could very well be spent on Matt Kalil, who would be an immediate starter for this team. Not to mention the only reason the 'Skins and Browns had a bidding war over this pick was to get Griffin. Manning is not the long-term answer and depending on his neck, he may not even be a short-term answer. The general consensus will be that RG3 will be in burgundy and gold next season.

3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Vikings need to keep a healthy offensive line for their star running back and young quarterback. Charlie Johnson is not the answer, and Matt Kalil is arguably the most talented and gifted in this draft class. There are no other possibilities at number three if Kalil falls to Minnesota. The defense may not be nearly as good as it was once was, but they need to protect their offensive play makers.

4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

I would not be the least bit shocked if the Browns traded down from this pick. Peyton Hillis might be wearing a new uniform next year, whether it be in a suit and sunglasses or another NFL team's jersey. There are three scenarios we could see:

a) Cleveland selects Trent Richardson

b) Cleveland trades down to a team for Justin Blackmon

c) Cleveland trades down to a team for Morris Claiborne

Those are the only three elite players at this point, and the first two won't alter the number five overall pick.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Buccaneers could pick between two of the three elite standouts after Cleveland: a technical corner from LSU, a prestigious runner from Alabama, and a standout pass-catcher from Oklahoma State. The Bucs need depth at receiver to help Freeman, but there will be more receivers in the second- and third-rounds that could play. LeGarrette Blount will be back next year with a vengeance, but having a one-two punch in Blount and Richardson could be very appealing, but to spend your fifth-overall pick on a running back when you already have one seems like a ridiculous move.

There is not a worthy corner you can find in those spots that can fit an immediate need like Claiborne.

Tampa Bay has an ugly pass rush. The unit is very young and they are only getting better as they grow together. The last two years have seen Tampa spend their first two picks in the draft on defensive lineman. In 2010, they drafted two interior studs in Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. The next year, they drafted Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers, who were both projected to be first-round selections.

We could very well see a dominant pass rush within the next few years on this squad.

The secondary has always been solid with CB Ronde Barber, CB Aqib Talib, and S Tanard Jackson. However, age effects even the best of men in Barber—and Talib has had his character questioned on multiple occasions.

Claiborne is young and can shut down an aging Steve Smith, Devery Henderson (since Colston doesn't look like he's returning), and can play well against Julio Jones and Roddy White. No pick makes as much sense as Claiborne for Tampa Bay.

However... because again, the draft works in mysterious ways, we could see the Buccaneers trade down or any team above them. It does remain clear that if a team were to do this, it would be for Claiborne's services. There is no defensive player with even half the hype of Morris Claiborne.

Deservedly so.