Mo Claiborne isn’t a bust.
Yet.
But the Cowboys traded up in the 2012 NFL Draft to draft the LSU cornerback with the 6th pick. In two seasons he’s made two interceptions.
It’s a result of injuries and simple underachieving. But with players like Luke Kuechly and Dontari Poe out-performing him despite being drafted after him, Claiborne is on the hottest of Cowboys’ seats this season. He was drafted to be a difference-making, play-making cornerback. And last year – even when healthy – he was clearly beaten out by Orlando Scandrick.
Eventually Claiborne needs to be a perennial Pro Bowl corner and among the league leaders in interceptions.
For the Cowboys to climb out of their 8-8 rut now, he’s got to be better. Much, much better.
We all knew the comparisons Jerry Jones made about Claiborne to Deion Sanders were ridiculous. But at No. 6 overall you want Champ Bailey. At this point, Claiborne isn’t even giving the Cowboys Terence Newman.
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In 2014 there are no more excuses. The learning curve is kaput. Claiborne is healthy headed into training camp and new defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli is going to play to his strength with more man-to-man coverage.
Claiborne should have a better year. If not …
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
