Aqib Talib: The next Cromartie?

[VJCPatriot]

6-2, 180 lbs. He looks like a very athletic cornerback with the size and tools to get it done. But how will he be as a pro?

Here's how his college career has broken down, showing improvement in each year:

Year GP TKL PBU INT YDS
2004 DNP - - - -
2005 11 54 8 2 45
2006 10 42 22 6 82
2007 13 66 13 5 195
Totals 34 162 43 13 322
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/cb/aqibtalib.html

Now check out the you tube clips, the 1st clip and the 3rd clip on the page.
http://www.mynfldraft.com/NFL-Draft-Profiles/2008/Aqib-Talib

The 100 yard interception return in the 1st clip is certainly impressive.
It started with a great aerial snatch.

The interception return in the 3rd clip though is even more impressive imo.
It's a shorter return, but watch as Talib senses he is about to be tackled before he hits paydirt. He then leaps up into the air, inches from the sideline, and launches himself, somersaulting though the air, and into the endzone for 6. To me, that's just freakish athleticisim.

The size and athleticism are there to match up against the taller WRs that are starting to proliferate the NFL. Could Aqib Talib, have what it takes to be a Patriot?

 

[PonyExpress]

Cromartie is a once in a generation athlete. His predraft workout was legendary. E. Accorsi said it was the best he had ever seen after 40 years in the NFL. There is no chance Talib will be the next Cromartie. He can be a very good cb though. He needs to show his agility/explosion/speed at the combine. Let's see how athletic he really is.

 

[Remix 6]

Talib: 6"2
Cromartie: 6"2

Cromartie: 4.37
Talib: 4.5

hes not nearly as quick, fast or explosive as Cromartie nor does he have the hops of Cromartie

Cromartie is the Randy Moss of defense. At nearly 6"3..with a 40+ inch vertical and 4.3 speed all after a knee injury his senior year. NASTY

Also Talib is like 180-185 pounds. Cromartie is 205-210

 

[VJCPatriot]

Cromartie is a once in a generation athlete. His predraft workout was legendary. E. Accorsi said it was the best he had ever seen after 40 years in the NFL. There is no chance Talib will be the next Cromartie. He can be a very good cb though. He needs to show his agility/explosion/speed at the combine. Let's see how athletic he really is.

Well, we'll just have to revist this when the Combines start.
I just thought I'd start the ball rolling since there was very little talk on Talib, and he seems to have some qualities that we'd be looking for in a position of need, CB.

One thing I do wonder about though, if Cromartie's workout was so legendary, why wasn't he taken until pick #19 of the NFL draft?
Were there certain questionmarks about him at the time, or was he a late riser in the draft?
Deion Sanders had a fantastic workout and went 5th overall, Champ Bailey went 7th overall.

 

[makoute]

Well, we'll just have to revist this when the Combines start.
I just thought I'd start the ball rolling since there was very little talk on Talib, and he seems to have some qualities that we'd be looking for in a position of need, CB.

One thing I do wonder about though, if Cromartie's workout was so legendary, why wasn't he taken until pick #19 of the NFL draft?
Were there certain questionmarks about him at the time, or was he a late riser in the draft?
Deion Sanders had a fantastic workout and went 5th overall, Champ Bailey went 7th overall.

He was coming off a pretty bad injury.

 

[Cannon Arm]

I posted this two days ago!

When I see clips of Talib on YouTube, I think Antonio Cromartie. My goodness does this boy have hops. He is a ridiculous athlete. I look at him and think, damn, what could Belichick do with a guy like that. I know that Bethel Johnson was similarly gifted athletically, but Talib has great hands. He's a guy who can not just knock down passes, but grab them for the INT. He actually wasn't a half bad receiver when Kansas used him that way as kind of a trick guy since the other team wouldn't have film or scouting reports on him because of how infrequently he played at receiver. He also isn't soft and will tackle players and hit them hard and he even picked up sacks. He could add weight and be more of a safety.

So, yeah, he could be like Cromartie.

 

[PonyExpress]

Well, we'll just have to revist this when the Combines start.
I just thought I'd start the ball rolling since there was very little talk on Talib, and he seems to have some qualities that we'd be looking for in a position of need, CB.

One thing I do wonder about though, if Cromartie's workout was so legendary, why wasn't he taken until pick #19 of the NFL draft?
Were there certain questionmarks about him at the time, or was he a late riser in the draft?
Deion Sanders had a fantastic workout and went 5th overall, Champ Bailey went 7th overall.

Cromartie started only 1 game at cb as a sophomore, missed his whole junior year with a knee injury, did ONE workout and was still drafted #19. That should pretty much tell you he is one of most freakish athletes in the history of sports.

 

[Remix 6]

Cromartie started only 1 game at cb as a sophomore, missed his whole junior year with a knee injury, did ONE workout and was still drafted #19. That should pretty much tell you he is one of most freakish athletes in the history of sports.

coaches and scouts also literally called him the next Deion Sanders..thats high praise. He was an impact guy @ FSU in his short time playing there and hes still carrying that over to NFL

Talib gets beat deep too often for my likings. I prefer McKelvin or even Jenkins

 

[VJCPatriot]

Talib gets beat deep too often for my likings. I prefer McKelvin or even Jenkins

Is that because he gambles too much and gets burned or does he simply not have the footspeed to keep up with the swiftest receivers?

If you were to rate his speed on a scale of 1 to 100 what would it be?
Closer to 80ish or 90ish?

 

[Remix 6]

Is that because he gambles too much and gets burned or does he simply not have the footspeed to keep up with the swiftest receivers?

If you were to rate his speed on a scale of 1 to 100 what would it be?
Closer to 80ish or 90ish?

i dont know how i would rate it but its slower than all 3 of our corners.

he runs in the 4.45-4.52 range but it doesnt translate on field. hes a much better cover2 CB. so its his speed..not gambling.

if we want a zone corner..the man is clearly McKelvin Jenkins or Cason who might be the best zone CB because he understands it so well and makes no false steps

 

[onegr8om]

NFL.COM has Talib at 202lbs, not 180something. Not sure if that changes anyone's opinion or not. I really like him, but would prefer to trade into the low teens and pick up a pick. Draft SEEMS deep at corner.

 

[patsfan-1982]

Talib: 6"2
Cromartie: 6"2

Cromartie: 4.37
Talib: 4.5

hes not nearly as quick, fast or explosive as Cromartie nor does he have the hops of Cromartie

Cromartie is the Randy Moss of defense. At nearly 6"3..with a 40+ inch vertical and 4.3 speed all after a knee injury his senior year. NASTY

Also Talib is like 180-185 pounds. Cromartie is 205-210

i agree cromartie is todays dion sandars

 

[BRiZ]

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is the next Cromartie. He has the same blood as Antonio Cromartie running through his veins. He is Antonio Cromartie's cousin, his father is a Cromartie. He has the same athletism and ball skills running through his veins. If you come from an athletic sports family that gene is passed to everyone, everyone is a good athlete. Dominique has it.

Heres my draft board:

1 Darren McFadden
2 Jake Long
3 Chris Long
4 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
5 Vernon Gholston
6 Kenny Philips

 

[Ochmed Jones]

Your draft board does not have Dorsey or Ellis in the top 6. That is very interesting. Is there something you don't like about these 2?

 

[BRiZ]

Your draft board does not have Dorsey or Ellis in the top 6. That is very interesting. Is there something you don't like about these 2?

i see them more as a 4-3 penetrating lineman and not good for the 3-4. Plus we are pretty deep on the dline but id probably take them as BPA a little farther down the list, could always make room for them or switch up the D.

 

[DaBruinz]

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is the next Cromartie. He has the same blood as Antonio Cromartie running through his veins. He is Antonio Cromartie's cousin, his father is a Cromartie. He has the same athletism and ball skills running through his veins. If you come from an athletic sports family that gene is passed to everyone, everyone is a good athlete. Dominique has it.

Heres my draft board:

1 Darren McFadden
2 Jake Long
3 Chris Long
4 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
5 Vernon Gholston
6 Kenny Philips

Briz - Do you know how STUPID it would be to take an over-rated McFadden? YES. You heard me. McFadden is OVER-RATED.

I think its amazing that you want Cromartie at #7 when he was barely a 1st rounder until about 2 weeks ago.

Personally, I want the Pats to trade down and add a 2nd rounder or a 1st rounder next year. No player in this draft is that "SPECIAL" player. That includes McFadden.

However, if the Pats DO stay at 7, its because they like C. Long or Gholston and he fell to them.

 

[BRiZ]

Briz - Do you know how STUPID it would be to take an over-rated McFadden? YES. You heard me. McFadden is OVER-RATED.

I think its amazing that you want Cromartie at #7 when he was barely a 1st rounder until about 2 weeks ago.

Personally, I want the Pats to trade down and add a 2nd rounder or a 1st rounder next year. No player in this draft is that "SPECIAL" player. That includes McFadden.

However, if the Pats DO stay at 7, its because they like C. Long or Gholston and he fell to them.

DB i think Cro is the best CB in this draft, i would prefer to trade down with like chicago and take him at 14 or something but if we couldnt id still take him at 7. Antonio Cromartie should have gone top 5 and he went in the 20's. Im not saying Dominique will be as good as his cousin Antonio in fact i dont think he will, i dont think anyone will for a long time anyways, but i think Dominique can be just a notch below and that is still very good, a #1 CB for sure.

I dont agree that McFadden is overated, ive watched him play, hes the real deal imo. He has deceptive strength and hits the hole faster than anyone ive seen. I think he will be an impact player and great pro, especially in this offense with defenses dropping everyone in coverage.

I wouldnt mind any of these guys at 7.

1 Darren McFadden
2 Jake Long
3 Chris Long
4 Dominique Cromartie
5 Vernon Gholston
6 Kenny Philips

Anyone else id hope we could trade down and pick up an extra pick. Philips i would take only if we could move Meriweather over to SS to replace Harrison when he retires, Meriweather is a stud at the line of scrimage and in run support, he needs some bulk though. Philips at 6'2 and with his speed would be a very good ballhawk at FS imo.

 

[VJCPatriot]

DB i think Cro is the best CB in this draft, i would prefer to trade down with like chicago and take him at 14 or something but if we couldnt id still take him at 7. Antonio Cromartie should have gone top 5 and he went in the 20's. Im not saying Dominique will be as good as his cousin Antonio in fact i dont think he will, i dont think anyone will for a long time anyways, but i think Dominique can be just a notch below and that is still very good, a #1 CB for sure.

I dont agree that McFadden is overated, ive watched him play, hes the real deal imo. He has deceptive strength and hits the hole faster than anyone ive seen. I think he will be an impact player and great pro, especially in this offense with defenses dropping everyone in coverage.

I wouldnt mind any of these guys at 7.

1 Darren McFadden
2 Jake Long
3 Chris Long
4 Dominique Cromartie
5 Vernon Gholston
6 Kenny Philips

Anyone else id hope we could trade down and pick up an extra pick. Philips i would take only if we could move Meriweather over to SS to replace Harrison when he retires, Meriweather is a stud at the line of scrimage and in run support, he needs some bulk though. Philips at 6'2 and with his speed would be a very good ballhawk at FS imo.

Rodgers-Cromartie's stock has risen on my draft boards, but I'm not willing to put him in my top 6 yet. I agree on McFadden though. He's the real deal. This guy is going to be a beast in the pros. I doubt very much he lasts until pick #7.

 

[Massjayhawk]

Long time lurker on this board but the opportunity to give an evaluation on Talib is too good to pass up. (I can pretty much guarantee that no one from Patriot Nation has seen Talib play more than I have.)

First off, Talib is going to measure between 6-1 and 6-2. He’s a legit 200lbs. He also has a ridiculous wingspan.

Strengths: Athleticism, ball skills, hands (he played a decent amount of WR this year until some of our younger guys stepped up.) As far as speed I would be shocked if he runs worse than 4.45. It is rumored that he ran below a 4.4 in a summer workout/competition…but we’ll know for sure at the combine. Attitude: Talib loves playing football and by all accounts he’s a great teammate. This is not a player that’s just going to mail it in after getting a fat bonus. Finally, you can’t deny his production—6 tds on offense and defense combined. (He was actually more productive defensively as a sophomore. )

Weaknesses: He does gamble. He got beat badly this year by a very good WR named Jordy Nelson on K-state. I think Talib’s footwork needs work. I’d like to see him lay the wood rather than arm-tackle. I think Talib could struggle with Belichick’s defense at first in terms of picking things up.

Summary: I think it’s unfair to compare him to Cromartie at this stage. Cromartie might be the most athletic player in football so it’s a bit much to lump Talib in with him. On the other hand, Talib was wildly productive in college. Another factor to consider is that Talib was on an island at KU and always drew the opposing teams best WR (and the big 12 has a bunch of really solid wrs.) I think he will be impact player in the NFL with the right coaching.

If the Pats could move down to 10-12 then I think that’s where I’d like to see him go. Personally, I think we need to address the pass rush first. If the brain trust thinks Gholston is legit that’s where I would go. I also love the idea of taking Ellis, rotating Jarvis Green and going back to a 4-3.

 

[DaBruinz]

DB i think Cro is the best CB in this draft, i would prefer to trade down with like chicago and take him at 14 or something but if we couldnt id still take him at 7. Antonio Cromartie should have gone top 5 and he went in the 20's. Im not saying Dominique will be as good as his cousin Antonio in fact i dont think he will, i dont think anyone will for a long time anyways, but i think Dominique can be just a notch below and that is still very good, a #1 CB for sure.

I dont agree that McFadden is overated, ive watched him play, hes the real deal imo. He has deceptive strength and hits the hole faster than anyone ive seen. I think he will be an impact player and great pro, especially in this offense with defenses dropping everyone in coverage.

I wouldnt mind any of these guys at 7.

1 Darren McFadden
2 Jake Long
3 Chris Long
4 Dominique Cromartie
5 Vernon Gholston
6 Kenny Philips

Anyone else id hope we could trade down and pick up an extra pick. Philips i would take only if we could move Meriweather over to SS to replace Harrison when he retires, Meriweather is a stud at the line of scrimage and in run support, he needs some bulk though. Philips at 6'2 and with his speed would be a very good ballhawk at FS imo.

I watched McFadden play also. I also watched him disappear in the Bowl game.

Sorry if I feel you dramatically over-rate players. You've been doing it for years.

And, while I liked Antonio Cromartie also, I didn't feel that using a pick on a guy with a torn ACL was in the Pats best interest. They felt the same way. Not that it mattered since he went to San Diego prior to the Pats drafting.

As for Phillips, Meriweather isn't a strong safety and doesn't have the frame to put on much more weight without seriously hampering his speed. Why double up with 2 free safety type players?

The Pats have bigger issues than RB and safety. Unfortunately, BB prefers not to draft LBers early. Also, unfortunately, the LBers this year aren't great. There are some middle rounders who seem to be better fits than the early rounders. Players like Goff and Larsen. But who knows with the Patriots.

As for DRC, He's not the best CB in the draft. But that's just my opinion.