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Imoan Claiborne never subsisted on fame.
An unheralded high school prospect out of Alexandria, Louisiana, Claiborne headed just up I-49 to play at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches (that's pronounced "Nacka-dish" for those of you who don't speak Louisiana English). Claiborne featured briefly in year one, saving his redshirt eligibility for 2011. His third season in 2012 saw him begin to put his game together, but his final two seasons were pretty special for the Southland Conference. An appearance in the 2015 Senior Bowl gave him a chance to line up against much better talent than he faced on a regular basis.
And now, the guy who wasn't supposed to be here is trying to make an NFL roster.
Who doesn't like a good story?
Roster Battle
As I mentioned in the Montell Garner preview, the top five at cornerback (Janoris Jenkins, Trumaine Johnson, E.J. Gaines, Lamarcus Joyner and Marcus Roberson) are pretty locked in. It's really a run for the Brandon McGee spot.
Expectations
I honestly think Claiborne and Garner might have a leg up on McGee simply on background. McGee was a highly coveted land back in 2009 when he decided to head to Miami. Garner and, especially, Claiborne have had to claw their way up just to get this shot. So you have to wonder if that dedication, or desperation, will manifest itself on a play or series that allows either of them to slide ahead of McGee. It's specious, but if I'm trying to project how Claiborne makes this team, hard work and grit seem like the only path.
Chances of Making Final Roster (2/10)
I gave Garner a "2" as well, and I can't see anything that applies to one that doesn't apply to the other. It's a bit of a third-tier storyline for the Rams heading into camp, but one I expect the dedicated Rams fans will keep in the back of their minds.