Bucs, Addressed Needs On Day One

Tampa, FL - The Buccaneers addressed needs on the first day of the draft, by selecting Kansas CB Aqib Talib in the first round, then by trading down in the second round with the Jaguars. The Bucs addressed their need for speed by drafting Appalachian State WR Dexter Jackson, after trading down six selections from 52 to number 58 in round two.

Talib addresses a major need for the Buccaneers as he adds competition to the secondary after Brian Kelly opted out of the final year of his contract and signed with the Detroit Lions this off season, adding fuel to the fire the contracts of Phillip Buchanon, Eugene Wilson and Sammy Davis will expire after the 2008 season.

Character could be an issue with Talib, but Gruden would rather focus on the future rather then the past with the teams first round draft pick.

"He came out and I believe was honest about what occurred," Gruden said. "I'm not going to live in the past. I'm going to live in the future. I trust this kid and we're going to give him an opportunity to prove it. He understands exactly what we expect of him and I believe he's excited about proving that he has all the right stuff. I would really rather not dig up this kid's past. He's admitted to certain things, and people who want to research that are welcome to do it. I think when you meet Aqib Talib, you're going to see an upbeat guy that is thrilled to death to be in the National Football League and on a defense that can utilize his skills, and maybe be on a football team where the offensive staff can use his skills also."

Talib's reported history of marijuana use, makes this pick a little perplexing.But he is considered a ballhawk and playmaker at his position. Traits that are a perfect fit in the overall defensive scheme the Bucs run.

"He adds to a group that's pretty strong already," said Morris. "We lost a big player in Brian Kelly and what he did for us over the last 10 years. We have to get another guy that has the ability and potential to do that. I'm just looking forward to coaching him. He's got a lot of talent and ball skills. He's an instinctive player."

"He makes some big-time plays but you see some big-time mistakes. We've got to get him to make the splash plays more consistently and not allow the splash plays. That's my job."

Adding speed to the receiver corps was another huge need for the team. The Bucs addressed that need for speed by adding the 5'10 182 pounder out of Appalachian State in WR Dexter Jackson.

Jackson saw most of his production come from the slot, which should help since the West Coast version employed by head coach Jon Gruden calls for alot of slant patterns to be run.

Blessed with elite time speed, Jackson should also be able to help in the return game. He will add a dimension to the offense that it doesnt have outside of receiver Joey Galloway which is a dynamic playmaker.

"He's a quick strike guy," Gruden said.