Aqib Talib
Mel Kiper's most recent mock draft predicts that the Redskins will take Aqib Talib with the 21st pick.
I generally trust Kiper's mocks more than Todd McShay's and others, although it is still way too early to get a solid idea of who is picking who. This may be a year where we see a lot of trades up top which makes this draft even harder to project.
Aqib Talib may actually be an intriguing pick for us. I personally think he is the best CB in this class. Most scouting reports talk about his game changing ability. He get's his hands on a lot of balls in the air, 13 deflected passes and 5 picks last year. A couple of those, he took back for six. Talib is also great on third down which would be a great addition to a defense that really improved on third down last year after a horrible '06.
What intrigues me so much about this pick is Talib's potential on the other side of the ball. He showed an ability to make big plays as a WR. He had 13 balls thrown to him, caught 8, and scored 4 of those. Not bad. Some other numbers worth mentioning, 6'1, 202 lbs, 4.4 40 yard time, and a vertical of 38 inches. I still expect us to pick up a WR via free agency or the draft, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have his size and play making ability as a 4th or 5th WR.
This projection is sure to change, but it's always fun to speculate.
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There is no way...
I think he'll be a good pick for whoever drafts him and if he falls, it would be hard for the Skins to pass him up. But I have a feeling that he'll be gone before pick #21.
If he's there, I'd be hard pressed to come up with anyone else on the board that I'd take over him.
by TexSkins on Mar 5, 2008 10:00 PM EST 0 recs
Ya, there are other
by JustinU804 on Mar 6, 2008 9:52 AM EST 0 recs
Scouting report from Sporting News.com
Weaknesses: Is not tough or aggressive; does not fly upfield to make tackles on short passes or fight through blocks to reach ballcarriers. Gets upright in bump-and-run coverage and uses hands to jam receivers inconsistently, allowing easy releases. Loses a step when flipping hips to turn and run with receivers, and lacks the burst to catch up. Lacks elite explosiveness and speed. When running with receivers downfield man-to-man, does not read their eyes or sense the ball, hindering ability to turn head in time to break up passes.
Bottom line: Talib, a junior, could have improved his draft stock by returning to Kansas and playing with greater toughness and consistency. He is a frustrating prospect because he makes enough plays to warrant being a starter but allows too many catches -- especially downfield -- and is a non-factor as a tackler on plays in front of him. Talib probably will be drafted higher than we have him rated but will struggle to produce as a high draft pick should. His ability to contribute as a punt returner and possibly as a receiver is an added value.
He's ranked number 11 overall for CBs for these guys...he could slip into the second round becasue of a supposed unwillingness to be aggressive against the run. Because of having London fletcher on patrol, and HB blades hopfully after that, I'm hardly worried. I want a guy that excels isn coverage...though I still think we could do just a well at CB in round 2. if a good DE is available, we should go for it.
by JustinU804 on Mar 6, 2008 10:07 AM EST 0 recs










