With The Fifth Pick In The 2012 Stampede Blue Community Mock Draft, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Select...

Morris Claiborne - CB, LSU

Pick made by Azrael1987:

I thought long and hard about selecting Trent Richardson in this spot, but I believe there will be other great running backs available in Round 2, whereas most cornerbacks that should be available in the second round come with considerable question marks. Plus, Claiborne's talent is just too good to pass up for a Buccaneers team in dire need of cornerbacks.

Ronde Barber is on the verge of retirement and Aqib Talib had too many off-the-field issues to be the unquestioned answer at cornerback. The Buccaneers have a talented defensive line in place that can rush the passer and force quick and errand throws and Claiborne would be the ideal complement to this line covering the opposing team's No. 1 receiver, often a QB's favorite option if rushed to pass.

The Bucs pass defense was serviceable in terms of yards-allowed but absolutely abysmal regarding the number of touchdowns it gave up in 2011 with 30. Claiborne will help lower this number considerably and should be good enough to also contribute on special teams as a punt and/or kick returner, similar to former teammate Patrick Peterson.

In the end, Claiborne is a safe pick just like Richardson, but the depth at running back outshines the depth at cornerback in this year's draft class so that Claiborne is the better choice for the Buccaneers.

Morris Claiborne Scouting Report from Mocking the Draft

The Redskins, and broadfi2, are on the clock.