2012 NFL Mock Draft Pick 9

With the 9th overall pick in the 2012 Draft, the Carolina Panthers select:

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

This is a dream scenario for the Panthers, who pick up the best defensive back in the 2012 class with the ninth pick. Carolina struggled against the pass last season, allowing 246.8 yards per game, a rate that ranked 24th in the NFL. With a rising offense led by last season's rookie sensation Cam Newton, the Panthers could be back in playoff contention sooner rather than later if they can shore up the defense. Claiborne would be a huge improvement for the Panthers over incumbent cornerbacks Chris Gamble and Darius Butler and would mark another step in the right direction for this rising franchise.


The Buffalo Bills are now on the clock.

TK