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NFL Draft 2012: Todd McShay's 1st Mock Draft Has Vikings Picking Morris Claiborne

The Minnesota Vikings' secondary has been exploited throughout the 2011 NFL season, culminating in last Sunday's demolition by Drew Brees, who threw for 412 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, the Vikings will likely be looking for defensive help in the 2012 NFL Draft. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, the Vikings will pick third and select LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne:

Claiborne is the premier cover corner in the 2012 class, and the Vikings rank 30th in the NFL in pass defense (260 ypg). He has size, fluid hips, good top-end speed and outstanding body control, and he excels at locating and attacking the ball over his shoulder.

The Vikings will be reluctant to take another quarterback with such a high pick with Christian Ponder being a recent first round selection. Claiborne has helped LSU have one of the best defenses in the nation, and the Tigers will play in this year's BCS championship as a result.

For more on the Vikings, visit the Daily Norseman. Head over to SB Nation NFL for more news and notes around the league.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.