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NFL Mock Draft 2012: Vikings Could Make Morris Claiborne Rare Top-3 CB

If things go as expected, the Minnesota Viking could make LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne the highest-drafted cornerback in more than a decade.

Claiborne, a 6-1, 185-pounder, is projected to go to the Vikings at third overall.

Since 2002, only three corners have gone in the top five: Quentin Jammer (’02), Terence Newman (’03) and Patrick Peterson (’10). None, however, went higher than No. 5. Not since Charles Woodson went fourth overall in 1998 has a CB been taken so high.

Claiborne is no lock to end up in Minnesota. The Vikings would have a decision on their hands should the St. Louis Rams pass on USC left tackle Matt Kalil. But with the Rams’ woeful offense – they were 31st in the league with 283.6 yards per game – it is presumed that they’ll opt for Kalil, who is considered the best tackle prospect in the draft.

Which would make Claiborne the logical choice, and make him a historically high pick.

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