NFL Draft 2012: Ranking Morris Claiborne and Best Cornerbacks Available

The 2012 NFL draft class is full of talented cornerbacks, such as Morris Claiborne of LSU, who have the potential to become shut-down corners in the pros.

Since the NFL has become a passing league, the need for a strong secondary is greater than it has been in a long time.

Let's look at the three best cornerbacks in this class that will make significant impacts as rookies next season.

Morris Claiborne, LSU

Claiborne is the consensus best cornerback in this draft, and he is likely going to be selected in the top five, or maybe at No. 6 to the St. Louis Rams—a team desperately in need of a star corner.

The 2011 Thorpe Award winner excels in coverage and has the speed and quickness to keep up with the fastest wide receivers.

Claiborne also has the "ball skills" that pro scouts often look for in cornerbacks these days, which include being able to read passes well and break them up without interfering and costing his team with a penalty.

The LSU star should be the first cornerback taken and will be a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate next season.

Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

Gilmore is a phenomenal athlete and has exceptional speed and agility, which allows him to break up passes even when the receiver he's covering picks up a step on him.

Gilmore can cover speedy wideouts and physical receivers, which makes him an attractive prospect for many NFL teams.

He will likely be the first cornerback taken after Claiborne, andhe  could go to the Dallas Cowboys at pick No. 14 or the Philadelphia Eagles with the selection after that.

Both teams need help in the secondary to improve in a challenging NFC East division, and if the Eagles really want to trade Asante Samuel, then cornerback will certainly be a position of need for them.

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama 

Kirkpatrick has fallen a bit on my NFL draft board, but he will certainly be a first-round pick and could go to the Cincinnati Bengals at pick No. 21.

The Detroit Lions, who may be a star cornerback away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender, would also love for Kirkpatrick to be available when they pick at No. 23.

Kirkpatrick is a physical player who can be strong with big receivers, and he also has enough speed to defend deep threats well.

Expect Kirkpatrick to be drafted no later than pick No. 25.

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