NCAA Scouting - Player Profile:
Aqib Talib, CB
by Jody Jamieson
28/2/2008
 
While I mentioned when covering Kenny Phillips that there seemed to be a bit of a lack of Day 1 safties declaring for the Draft this year, that can't be said about the other part of the defensive backfield, the cornerbacks. There could be anything up to five corners taken in the first round this year, and Talib will likely be one of them.
 
Aqib Talib played his college football at Kansas. In 2006 he led the Big-12 in interceptions with 6, with an excellent 22 pass breakups thrown in. His numbers went down in '07 (4 INT's, 13 passes broken up) largely due to the fact that throwing towards Talib was always a risky game to play.
 
There has been talk that he could possibly play free safety in the NFL. A big strapping defensive back who isn't afraid to tackle a bigger ball carrier, the decision may make sense if it doesn't work out at corner. I'm a big fan of Aqib Talib and I believe that wherever he plays, he has the ability to make a big impact in the NFL.
 
What we like about Talib
 
Very few cornerbacks have the ability to read a quarterback as well as Talib. He specialises on timing of his point of attack. As his decision making improved over his college career, he showed he could really shutdown a wide receiver for huge portions of games. In this day and age, a true shutdown corner is gold dust. He is an impressive tackler with good speed who will make the tackle when he gives up a catch. While he won't make a huge amount of interceptions, makes excellent plays to break up the pass.
 
Question marks about Talib
 
May struggle if utilised as a nickelback as his technique still needs a bit of work. Slot receivers with a two way go will make life difficult for Talib. He likes to gamble on the pick when it isn't really on. He could get away with it due to his ability at the collegiate level, but he can't afford to take risks in the Pros. He was suspended for two games in 2007 for violating team rules, so there may be some slight character concerns.
 
Highlight of his College Career
 
Aqib Talib was named MVP of the Orange Bowl, his last game before declaring for the NFL Draft. Kansas won the game 24-21 over Virginia Tech, the highlight for Talib being a 60 yard INT return for a touchdown.
 
Other Snippets

• Talib could go be anything from the first corner off the board, to the sixth. I think of him as slightly behind Leodis McKelvin and Mike Jenkins.

• Talib played as a makeshift wide receiver at Kansas, and caught 4 touchdown passes in 2007.

• Made 13 interceptions and broke up 43 passes in his 3 year college career.

• I think Detriot takes a serious look at him with pick number 15. Other teams who might show some interest include Philadelphia, Dallas or Tennessee.