Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 NFL Draft Review
Posted: Sun Apr 27 11:38 PM
By Tony Moss, NFL Editor
(Sports Network) -
1 - Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas (6-1, 197); 2 - Dexter Jackson, WR, Appalachian State (5-9, 182); 3 - Jeremy Zuttah, OL, Rutgers (6-3, 303); 4 - Dre Moore, DT, Maryland (6-4, 305); 5 - Josh Johnson, QB, San Diego (6-3, 213); 6 - Geno Hayes, LB, Florida State (6-1, 226); 7 - Cory Boyd, RB, South Carolina (6-1, 213)
Analysis: The Buccaneers did not make a rumored trade with Philadelphia for Lito Sheppard, instead addressing their cornerback need with the high risk- high reward Talib in the first round. Tampa Bay made another questionable pick in its haste to enhance the wide receiving corps, as Jackson is a small speedster who few felt would come off the board on the first day. Zuttah and Moore, who will both have a chance to play in the trenches from the get-go, were safer choices. Hayes, a value pick who some had projected in the third- round range, should also stick. Most feel that Johnson will eventually become an NFL starter, but can Tampa Bay afford to cut one of its many veteran quarterbacks in order to keep him on the roster? Boyd is practice squad material at best. The Bucs did not bolster their pass rushing group, which some felt would happen due to the club's reported flirtation with Jason Taylor.
Bottom Line: Talib and Jackson are interesting prospects, but both have major bust potential.
Grade: C+