How Good Will Claiborne Be?

[Bowdown27]

I can't wait to see this kid on the field. Mel kipper said he has the best ball skills in over a decade of db's. This kid could be just like Deion. Barely can tackle but can cover a guy and intercept like no other.

But to answer the question. I will hold off til I see him on September 5.

 

[CATCH17]

Don't want to brag, but I wanted the guy back in late August last year.

Ok well you got me beat.

I didn't even know who he was until I saw him early on this past September.

Here is my post: http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218418

 

[Idgit]

Ok well you got me beat.

I didn't even know who he was until I saw him early on this past September.

Here is my post: http://cowboyszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=218418

'Sok. I was just lying to up my board-cred.

Good call on Mo, though.

 

[theogt]

A buddy of mine who is an LSU guy was telling me early spring 2011 that we should pass on Peterson (who was a legit possibility at that point in time) so we could get Claiborne the next year. I thought he was an idiot at the time.

 

[GroundUp]

Don't want to brag, but I wanted the guy back in late August last year.

Before everyone was nuts on Peterson.

 

[Doomsday101]

I think he can be as good as he wants to be if he is willing to do the work on and off the field. A big part is knowing the strength and weakness of the opposing WR he will face. Something Sanders talked about once and the importance of not only watching film but knowing what you are watching and looking for. If you know a WR tendency it becomes much easier to cover him.

 

[perrykemp]

I can't wait to see this kid on the field. Mel kipper said he has the best ball skills in over a decade of db's. This kid could be just like Deion. Barely can tackle but can cover a guy and intercept like no other.

But to answer the question. I will hold off til I see him on September 5.

I understand the sentiment, however, Deon was what, a 4.2x guy in the 40? His incredible athleticism allowed him to bait, take chances, and generally make up a lot of ground when the ball was in the air.

From what I've read, Claiborne has just average speed (4.47 - 4.50) so I don't think he'll ever have the overwhelming athletic ability to make up for technique problems like Deon could.

 

[CATCH17]

I understand the sentiment, however, Deon was what, a 4.2x guy in the 40? His incredible athleticism allowed him to bait, take chances, and generally make up a lot of ground when the ball was in the air.

From what I've read, Claiborne has just average speed (4.47 - 4.50) so I don't think he'll ever have the overwhelming athletic ability to make up for technique problems like Deon could.

I agree with this but if he learns to play with his hands at a high level he is going to be dangerous because when the ball is thrown at him he finds it.

It would scare me if he was going up against someone like Desean Jackson and he can't get his hands on Jackson because Jackson will leave him in the dust.


But with 4.4 speed, his ability to turn like he does, and long arms he should be a shutdown guy against anyone.

 

[interestedobserver]

I think he can definitely make some pro bowls. His superstar status will depend on his willingness to improve.

Yeah, he's a solid corner with upside, but to expect HOF quality is unfair to him.

 

[KJJ]

How good will Claiborne be? A superstar, pro bowler, a solid player, or a bust?

I think he'll be a superstar.

That remains to be seen he's making a big jump from college corner to pro the rules are different in the NFL and the caliber of receivers he'll be facing every week will be much better. It's going to be a difficult transition because next to QB corner is the most difficult position to play in the NFL in my opinion especially for a rookie. The rules not allowing corners to touch a receiver after 5 yards has really handcuffed them. It's allowed receivers to gain separation and with the height advantage some of them have over corners all QB's have to do is throw the ball up and allow receivers to make a play on it. If a corner barely touches a receiver as they jostle with them for position it can lead to a PI call. The 4 and 5 WR sets and small quick slot receivers who can find soft spots have put a lot of pressure on secondaries which makes having a strong pass rush vital.

All the rules are bent to open up the passing game even the best defenses are having trouble stopping passing attacks. The Giants and Pats were the 2 lowest ranked defenses to ever play in a SB but they were able to overcome their defensive deficiencies by putting points on the board with great passing attacks. Even the best CB's get beat once in awhile they're having to face big 6'2" to 6'5" 220 plus pound receivers who can run a sub 4.4. Most CB's can't match up physically with receivers like that.

A college corner may only face one or two receivers like that their entire college career but they'll be facing them almost on a weekly basis in the NFL. In this era 4000 yards has become routine for a lot of QB's now we're starting to see 5000 yard passers so playing corner in the NFL can be a rude awakening for a rookie. However I think Claiborne will make the adjustment and be at the very least a solid corner.

 

[Doomsday101]

Yeah, he's a solid corner with upside, but to expect HOF quality is unfair to him.

True but then he is setting his goal that high

“I set my goals pretty high for myself, but I know you got to take it one goal at a time,” Claiborne said. “You just can’t settle when you reach one goal. This is a goal of mine right here, getting to the NFL. And I made it. So I have to set my goal another step higher and that’s to get with my teammates and win ballgames and hopefully a Super Bowl after that. And then who knows what happens after that, hopefully the Hall of Fame.”

 

[Idgit]

I understand the sentiment, however, Deon was what, a 4.2x guy in the 40? His incredible athleticism allowed him to bait, take chances, and generally make up a lot of ground when the ball was in the air.

From what I've read, Claiborne has just average speed (4.47 - 4.50) so I don't think he'll ever have the overwhelming athletic ability to make up for technique problems like Deon could.

We shouldn't even be having to mention that comparing him to Deion is unfair. That's crazy talk. The guy will play well early, and has a shot to develop into a probowl or all pro player. We can only hope. But at least he's got a really high floor for us at a position of importance on this defense.