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Ideally, a first-round pick in the NFL should be free of risk but that’s not the case with cornerback Aqib Talib of Kansas, taken by the Bucs at No. 20 late Saturday afternoon.
It’s not so much the three failed tests for marijuana and a two-game suspension in 2006 for some undisclosed disciplinary issue. Talib makes big plays – his 60-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Orange Bowl helped him win MVP for that game – but that is countered by a tendency, reports say, to be caught out of position.
Heck, we don’t know.
I didn’t sit in a dark little room and break down Kansas game film before the draft, so if Monte Kiffin is satisfied that Talib is worth the risk then I’d say Kiffin’s track record is pretty good. Besides, Gaines Adams, the top pick a year ago, had a positive weed test too before the draft and he is working out just fine.
We won’t know until the draft gets a little deeper just how good this pick is, though. Quarterback Brian Brohm was available, as was Michigan QB Chad Henne. Receivers DeSean Jackson and Devin Thomas were there, and we all know how badly the Bucs need one or two big playmakers. Either one of those might have had a greater immediate impact than Talib.
But there’s another thing about the draft. Your first-round pick should be a major contributor for many years and Talib may fit that mold. Since the Bucs are known for defense and cornerback was a position of need, it’s tough to be upset with this pick. Talib has more size than USF’s Mike Jenkins and, like Jenkins, can contribute on special teams. Depending what they do with the rest of the draft, this pick has a chance to look good for many years.
Provided his dope-smokin’ days really are behind him.
Posted by Lewis Riggle, Winter Park, FL on 04/26 at 09:23 PM
Defense wins championships! Drafting WR’s is VERY risky—especially with this year’s crop. The Bucs made the right pick.
Posted by Lester, Tampa on 04/26 at 09:21 PM
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They don’t understand you have to score, score, score the word is touchdowns not field goals!!!
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You’re right Ray, you are smarter than Gruden, Allen, and Kiffen combined. Send in your resume to the Glazers and you will probably get hired. The ignorance in this town never, and i mean never, seizes to amaze me - and I was born here.
Oh gee, they just took a receiver in round two. And oh, he is the second fastest guy in the draft.
Posted by Greg, Bradenton on 04/26 at 08:35 PM
Joe: FAR OUT MAN!
Posted by ray bloom, pa on 04/26 at 07:38 PM
We need OFFENSE!!! Not Defense!!! Wide Receivers, Running Back, Tight Ends that can catch as well as block!!! This will be gruden’s and allens last year!!! They don’t understand you have to score, score, score the word is touchdowns not field goals!!!
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Posted by James Anderson, Lakeland, FL on 04/26 at 09:48 PM
Hmmm...those guys get pretty big paychecks to not know that touchdowns are important. I really think the object is to pretend its a golf game and score less. Hmm...what are the other teams in the division doing? Nevermind...just score man. Score! Gimme a guy who has a great td dance. That’s what matters most. I hope by now it is evident I am being sarcastic. Bucs drafted two awesome playmakers. It is obvious Gruden and company want to have the best possible return capability this year. Now the odds are who has more kick returns for td. Talib or Jackson? Jackson may be a reach....until he changes Big Mo with a return for 6. And Talib may be a probowler one day. Think man...these coaches do this for a living. YOU DON’T!