And the Pick Is....

Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Read Talib's Scouting Report at NFLdraftdog.com:
Aqib Talib Scouting Report @ NFLDraftDog.com

With their first round pick the Bucs have taken Aqib Talib from Kansas. The cornerback fills a need on defense and will become future HOF CB Ronde Barber's understudy, not exactly a bad job to have. He may be able to take over for Phil Buchanan next to Barber but should at least play in sub packages and has the versatility to play a little safety.

The junior has good size for a corner at 6'1 202lbs but has been inconsistent throughout his career. There are questions about his maturity and he does not have blazing speed. The upside is that top notch speed is not required in this defense and Talib has excellent anticipation and closing burst. I'm afraid this pick is a bit of a reach though, as Mike Jenkins was still available and would have been a better fit as well as having the pick of the litter when it came to receivers as every receiver was still available. Devin Thomas, DeSean Jackson or Limas Sweed would have been much better picks to an offense that lacks playmakers. Top QB's like Brian Brohm and Chad Henne were also still around and would have made good picks for a team that has yet to field a franchise QB in its history.

Talib can be a good CB but he has a lot of growing up to do. Barber may be able to get a handle on that and help him, but sometimes that's not enough. Talib has to be prepared to swallow his pride and listen to the things the coaches and vets are telling him. Tampa has been built on and won a Super Bowl with defense and just enough offense to get by. The defense could be the elite unit of 2008 as the linebackers are already elite, the defensive line has been improved and an upgrade at CB acquired. Now it's time to nab a receiver, and take the offense, and this team to another level.

Division mates Carolina and Atlanta have also made big trades back into the bottom half of the 1st round, both picks happening to sandwich Tampa's. Carolina jumped back into the 1st round by trading with Philly to get the 19th pick, 1 ahead of Tampa. The Panthers continued to revamp their rushing attack, adding mammoth OT Jeff Otah from Pitt. Otah can play 4 of 5 positions (except center) and is a road grader for the Panthers 1st pick, RB Jonathon Stewart.

Atlanta jumped up to the 21st pick, right behind Tampa, to grab Sam Baker. A light, mobile tackle from USC, Baker's stock dropped as questions about his strength and ability to anchor in the rush attack came into play. With the Falcons expected to switch to more of a power attack with new head coach Mike Smith, the selection of Baker is somewhat surprising and hard to believe he could not have been picked up with one of the Birds three 2nd round picks.

Daryl Martin-Breault
Admin/Draft Coverage- www.pewterkrew.com
Senior Writer- www.nfldraftdog.com