Starting CB job still Buchanon's, though Talib may push him

May/23/08 05:12 PM Filed in: Phillip Buchanon
PhillipBuchanon
Bucs rookie CB Aqib Talib will need to have an exceptional training camp, similar to the one FS Tanard Jackson had a year ago, if he's going to break into the starting lineup and unseat Phillip Buchanon, the way we hear it. Talib is penciled in as the team's nickel back, but coaches have been very careful about what they say concerning the competition between the rookie and Buchanon for a starting spot. The Bucs don't want Buchanon to get too comfortable and are hoping that Talib will push him in the next few months. Word out of Tampa is that coaches have been pretty pleased with what they've seen from Talib thus far in workouts, but they have not forgotten about how well Buchanon played in 13 starts last season after Brian Kelly went down with a groin injury. For now, sources envision Talib lining up on the same side of the field as SS Jermaine Phillips in the nickel package, which is intended to free up CB Ronde Barber to be more aggressive and make plays on the ball, while Buchanon remains the starter.

(profootballweekly.com)