Pats meet with Talib

[DefenseRules]

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

INDIANAPOLIS -- Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib met with reporters this morning and indicated that he had a personal interview with the Patriots on Saturday night. Talib said it was his first interview with any club at the combine.

"When I left, I felt it went pretty well," Talib said of the meeting, noting that he talked about his past and his family.

If the Patriots end up keeping the No. 7 pick and decide that cornerback is the position they address, Talib would be the likely choice. The general consensus among coaches and scouts here is that Talib is the top cornerback available.

Can anyone tell me more about this player?

 

[Keegs]

I'm no expect, but from what i've read, that's a little high for him.

I would expect the pats to trade down to a spot where they think they could get Talib and with it they'd get another pick.

 

[LloydBraun]

http://www.nflfans.com/x/2008/showplayer.php?key=Aqib Talib*

IMO, this guy would be an alternative if the Pats trade down. There is quality depth in this year's CB draft so we should eb able to draft 2-3 quality corners.

 

[miDeuce]

They could probably get him a little later. As I posted in my blog (link below) I think there's a lot of talented CBs this year that the Pats could grab just about anywhere in the draft. Talib is 6' 2" and has all the physical tools.

Here's his page:

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/aqib-talib?id=1302

 

[carolinatony]

He is a Top 5 corner coming out depending on what poll you read. I think #7 is too high for him. Mike Jenkins - CB S Florida is a better pick imo.

From NFL.COM 6-2 202
It was no surprise Talib left school early for the pros. Few collegiate corners have his mix of size, athleticism and explosiveness. The All-American made 13 interceptions and broke up 43 other passes during his three years at Lawrence. He even played a bit of receiver the past two, and opponents clearly game-planned for him. There's no reason to think his new team won't try him as a punt and/or kickoff returner, even though he only attempted a handful in college. At least until he proves too valuable a cover man to leave on special teams.

Positives: Prototypical size and athleticism. ... Excellent plant-and-drive, often reading the quarterback for the chance to pounce. ... Very good ball skills, able to deflect passes at the last moment. ... Uses his size and above average leaping ability to get to balls at the highest point. ... Very willing to support the run. ... Attempts to wrap up in the open field, even if not always successful. ... Appears to be a maturing young man with a bright future.



Negatives: Does not have great catch-up speed, which was evident on multiple touchdowns allowed over his career. ... May struggle a bit against quicker slot receivers until his technique is refined. ... Will gamble too much at times to make the pick. ... Susceptible to the double-move. ... Could be more physical at his size, and is probably better suited to a zone scheme. ... Suspended two games in 2007 for violating team rules

 

[Keegs]

They could probably get him a little later. As I posted in my blog (link below) I think there's a lot of talented CBs this year that the Pats could grab just about anywhere in the draft. Talib is 6' 2" and has all the physical tools.

Here's his page:

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/aqib-talib?id=1302

on the nfl.com live stream of the combine, they just showed Talib and said he was a tad over 6'

i hope you are right though.

 

[miDeuce]

on the nfl.com live stream of the combine,/

Glad to see I'm not the only one watching this... It's taken the place of watching a Sunday game right now.

 

[Keegs]

on the nfl.com live stream of the combine,/QUOTE]

Glad to see I'm not the only one watching this... It's taken the place of watching a Sunday game right now.

i enjoy it.

it's perfect to watch while your screwing around online.

 

[DaBruinz]

They could probably get him a little later. As I posted in my blog (link below) I think there's a lot of talented CBs this year that the Pats could grab just about anywhere in the draft. Talib is 6' 2" and has all the physical tools.

Here's his page:

http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/aqib-talib?id=1302

miDeuce - Talib measured in at 6'0 2/8"

 

[miDeuce]

miDeuce - Talib measured in at 6'0 2/8"

I guess I should've assumed the NFL.com stats would be a little inflated. They've got him at 6'2, 202lbs.

 

[sebman2112]

I can't at all see NE taking Talib at 7th overall, and frankly I don't think they would take ANY CB from this crop that high. The only way I want them picking a CB in the first would involve a trade down, and then I like some other CB's for NE's system.

Edit: Also, why pay a rookie CB 7th overall money, when you could resign Samuel for slightly more guaranteed money? And, while the position is deep, I don't think any of the CB's in this crop warrent selection in the top 7. With that depth it would also make sense to trade down. Really, picking a CB at 7th overall doesn't make all that much sense.

 

[sebman2112]

I guess I should've assumed the NFL.com stats would be a little inflated. They've got him at 6'2, 202lbs.

Yea, he's officially 6'0.2" and weighs 202lbs. So, the weight is correct.

 

[miDeuce]

I can't at all see NE taking Talib at 7th overall, and frankly I don't think they would take ANY CB from this crop that high. The only way I want them picking a CB in the first would involve a trade down, and then I like some other CB's for NE's system.

I think you're right. I just hope someone wants Darren McFadden real bad. That could be what allows us to trade down.

 

[A.C Vegas]

Edit: Also, why pay a rookie CB 7th overall money, when you could resign Samuel for slightly more guaranteed money? And, while the position is deep, I don't think any of the CB's in this crop warrent selection in the top 7. With that depth it would also make sense to trade down. Really, picking a CB at 7th overall doesn't make all that much sense.

Did you see what Samuel wanted for money that is NOT slightly more money a 40mill ocntract versus and 100 Mill contract?

 

[sebman2112]

Did you see what Samuel wanted for money that is NOT slightly more money a 40mill ocntract versus and 100 Mill contract?

I said slightly more "guaranteed money" He supposedly wants $30M guaranteed, right? A CB taken at 7th overall should get something like $20M guaranteed, and the total contract (over 6 years) would be more like $46M+ (You need to account for the yearly increase in contract demands). Also, that's Samuel's initial demand, which is usually slightly higher than a player eventually gets.

Samuel said he wants $100M? I didn't see that...

I'm not saying to resign Samuel at that high contract either. I already said I don't think he's worth that much. Also, I've been hoping they'll trade down, and pick up a mid-second. The only point being made is that it wouldn't make sense to draft a CB at 7th overall if you don't want to pay Samuel, as a 7th overall CB would be expensive, too.

 

[celticboy04]

Greetings,
Hopfully we will have something worked out.
Shalom,
Celticboy04

 

[VJCPatriot]

I said slightly more "guaranteed money" He supposedly wants $30M guaranteed, right? A CB taken at 7th overall should get something like $20M guaranteed, and the total contract (over 6 years) would be more like $46M+ (You need to account for the yearly increase in contract demands). Also, that's Samuel's initial demand, which is usually slightly higher than a player eventually gets.

Samuel said he wants $100M? I didn't see that...

I'm not saying to resign Samuel at that high contract either. I already said I don't think he's worth that much. Also, I've been hoping they'll trade down, and pick up a mid-second. The only point being made is that it wouldn't make sense to draft a CB at 7th overall if you don't want to pay Samuel, as a 7th overall CB would be expensive, too.

I agree that if the Pats want to draft a corner they should trade down. But not below the magical midpoint where they wouldn't be able to sign their guy to a 6 year deal. Talib has definitely been on my radar. It's a bit disappointing to see that he's not quite 6'1. But he isn't a midget either. Let's see how fast he runs. He looked to be very athletic from the highlights.