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Even with cornerback pick, Mo Claiborne still part of Cowboys' plans
Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas Cowboys reporter
IRVING, Texas – In 2012, the Dallas Cowboys traded up to the sixth pick to take Morris Claiborne. He had the highest grade given to a cornerback by the team since Deion Sanders, and team leaders were excited.
The same excitement was heard in the voices of owner Jerry Jones, executive vice president Stephen Jones and head coach Jason Garrett on Thursday when they took another cornerback, Byron Jones, with the 27th pick in the first round.
Cornerback Morris Claiborne hasn't been able to stay healthy in three seasons, and the Cowboys might have drafted his replacement on Thursday. Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports
Truth be told, if Claiborne had met the expectations set for him in 2012, the Cowboys would not have selected Jones in 2015.
But Claiborne has not met the expectations. He has three interceptions in his career. He played in just four games last year before suffering a torn patella tendon that will likely keep him off the field until training camp begins.
Stephen Jones said a decision has not been finalized on whether or not to pick up the fifth-year option on Claiborne’s deal. However, the $11.08 million cost and his level of play in his first three seasons say otherwise.
Yet the Cowboys aren’t ready to close the door on Claiborne.
“He’s a pretty good cornerback when he’s healthy,” Stephen Jones said. “Better than a lot of people play with.”
Health has played a large part in Claiborne’s lack of development. He was drafted with a surgically-repaired wrist. He has yet to take part in a full training camp in three years because of injuries. He missed six games in 2013 with a hamstring injury.
“I would characterize Mo’s progress as really good,” Stephen Jones said.
But he also added he was not sure Claiborne would be ready for the start of training camp. In addition to the patella repair, he had a scope on his other knee.
“We still think Mo can be a major contributor this year,” Stephen Jones said.
Todd Archer, ESPN Dallas Cowboys reporter
IRVING, Texas – In 2012, the Dallas Cowboys traded up to the sixth pick to take Morris Claiborne. He had the highest grade given to a cornerback by the team since Deion Sanders, and team leaders were excited.
The same excitement was heard in the voices of owner Jerry Jones, executive vice president Stephen Jones and head coach Jason Garrett on Thursday when they took another cornerback, Byron Jones, with the 27th pick in the first round.
Cornerback Morris Claiborne hasn't been able to stay healthy in three seasons, and the Cowboys might have drafted his replacement on Thursday. Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports
Truth be told, if Claiborne had met the expectations set for him in 2012, the Cowboys would not have selected Jones in 2015.
But Claiborne has not met the expectations. He has three interceptions in his career. He played in just four games last year before suffering a torn patella tendon that will likely keep him off the field until training camp begins.
Stephen Jones said a decision has not been finalized on whether or not to pick up the fifth-year option on Claiborne’s deal. However, the $11.08 million cost and his level of play in his first three seasons say otherwise.
Yet the Cowboys aren’t ready to close the door on Claiborne.
“He’s a pretty good cornerback when he’s healthy,” Stephen Jones said. “Better than a lot of people play with.”
Health has played a large part in Claiborne’s lack of development. He was drafted with a surgically-repaired wrist. He has yet to take part in a full training camp in three years because of injuries. He missed six games in 2013 with a hamstring injury.
“I would characterize Mo’s progress as really good,” Stephen Jones said.
But he also added he was not sure Claiborne would be ready for the start of training camp. In addition to the patella repair, he had a scope on his other knee.
“We still think Mo can be a major contributor this year,” Stephen Jones said.
