Hi, I only just stumbled upon this. It's from a month ago, but searching the forums it hasn't been posted. Bill Polian made a list of players who have broken out this year as future cornerstones of their respective franchises, or "blue chip" players. Link:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/story...e-pillars-2012
Here is his take on Morris Claiborne:
6.) Morris Claiborne, CB, Dallas Cowboys
Claiborne has ideal characteristics for a blue CB. He's tough, he can run, he can turn his hips, he has great instincts and ball skills, and while it will take a little while to grow due to nature of position and complexity of Rob Ryan's scheme, he's already flourishing. Even early, he has measured up to the challenges of the NFL. That's very unusual with corners. Sometimes when guys make the transition from college to the pros and have to match up against big, physical NFL receivers, they can't step up … or at least don't do it quickly.
To me, Claiborne has made the single most impressive debut for a corner since Darrelle Revis. He's not Revis yet, and he's certainly not as strong as Revis physically, but they both play in a similar defensive system and both certainly can be game-changers.
Also of note, Bill Polian puts Seattle rookie MLB Bobby Wagner (who Stephen Jones said we would have taken with our 2nd round pick) as being "on the cusp" of being a blue chip player. Also note, Michael Brockers (who we would have taken in the 1st) is playing at a very high level as well and already has 5 sacks in 11 games (pretty good considering everyone here was calling him Marcus Spears redux). It's funny to think that Morris Claiborne could end up a top 5 corner and we could end up regretting the move! Great job by our scouting department once again!