Chris_Field's Blog

The Bucs do draft a cornerback, he's just not the player everyone expected.  Word had it that if USF's MIke Jenkins was available at 20, the Bucs would draft him.  Instead they draft Kansas junior Aqib Talib.  Jon Gruden admits he falls in love with, imagines coaching just about every talented player he meets.  He went so far as to say "my guts are ripped out of my body right now".  Coach Gruden might have gone with offense, with a wide receiver if he was the lone decision-maker.  He says that's why he trusts general manager Bruce Allen to make this final call.  Monte Kiffin's thrilled with Talib.  The Bucs defensive guru calls this a passing league, says you can't coach speed.  Monte thinks Talib's a playmaker who has the skills, the ability and the attitude to compete for a starting job immediately.  One big question surrounds Aqib Talib's past:  3 positive tests for marijuna use at Kansas.  The Bucs must be confident the drug use really is in his past, a factor that did make him drop down most draft boards.

The Bucs follow with pick number 58 (trading down from 52 with Jacksonville).  They pick a familiar name:  Dexter Jackson.  This version's a kick returner from Appalachian State.  He made a name for himself scoring 2 touchdowns in that upset win over Michigan then landing on the cover of Sports Illustrated.        

What do you think of the Bucs draft decisions?