With the fifth pick in the 2012 MHR Community Mock Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select:
Morris Claiborne, cornerback, LSU
Buccaneers GM: coloradosportsfan55
GM Explanation: With a team that struggled as badly as Tampa Bay last year, who lost their last 10 games, there really isn't a wrong pick here. However, with Ronde Barber's age and Aqib Talib's legal troubles cornerback appears to be their most pressing need. Claiborne has the talent to replace these guys and start at corner right now, and be a lock down corner in Tampa for the next 10 years. The additions of Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks make this pick easier to make as they have already revamped their offense. Hopefully Claiborne can be the defensive play maker that the Bucs need and be part of a revamped defense. So, with this pick Tampa Bay should have some talented pieces to build upon on both sides of the ball.
Commissioner's (Sayre's) Analysis: This is a great selection. The Bucs could have taken Matt Kalil here, who is by far and away the best player, but I think Morris Claiborne fits a dire need for them in the defensive backfield. They over-paid for Eric Wright in the early portion of free agency, but they pretty much had to. I think with this selection, they pretty much solidify their defensive backfield regardless of what happens with Aqib Talib in the coming months. It's unfortunate they have to plan for life without him, because combining him with Claiborne could be a very nice move.
Draft Recap:
1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
3. Minnesota Vikings: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU
On the clock...St. Louis Rams