Morris Claiborne ready for bounce back season

As the New York Jets are hoping to field an aggressive defensive secondary this upcoming season, cornerback Morris Claiborne is ready to bounce back in 2017 and prove his worth.

When cornerback Morris Claiborne was selected as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, he had shut down defender written all over him. The Dallas Cowboys selected him with hopes of being a cornerstone defender that would bring aggression, consistency, and toughness to their defensive secondary. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned as he finds himself on the New York Jets after injuries defined his career so far in the NFL.

Dealing with nagging shoulder injuries can take its toll on any athlete but when healthy, Claiborne is truly a force to reckon with. In this particular case, the Jets are taking a huge risk on him and hoping that he can endure an entire season as they rebuild towards a brighter future.

The Jets signed him to a one-year deal to see if he’s worth keeping around in the long run or at the very least, get decent play out of him in a new-look secondary with a lot of new faces in the mix.

More from Jets News

• NY Jets should target TE Hunter Henry in free agency
• NY Jets: Why the team should target cornerback Shaquill Griffin
• NY Jets reportedly non-tendering linebacker Harvey Langi
• NY Jets: Why the team should not cut Jamison Crowder
• NY Jets should try to sign Kenny Golladay in free agency

If the Jets get lucky and he’s able to prove his worth by staying healthy and producing where it matters most on the gridiron, this could be a real steal.

Of course, the Jets don’t usually get lucky when they sign players that are cast off by the original teams that drafted them, especially those that consistently deal with injuries.

Claiborne at least is confident that if he’s healthy he can be among the best at his position in the NFL.

In an article written by Rich Cimini of ESPN, here is what Claiborne had to say about his early expectations for himself this upcoming season with the Jets:

“I feel like I can be the No. 1 corner in this league if I’m healthy … when I’m healthy. When I’m out there playing and I’m healthy and I’m on my game, I don’t feel like there is anybody better than me.”

Overall, here’s to hoping that Claiborne can indeed stay healthy and deliver at a time the Jets need it most. If he’s able to push the envelope and live up to his potential, Claiborne will surprise many this upcoming season.