Buchanon Ahead of Talib

The Tampa Tribune reports while Buccaneers first-round draft pick CB Aqib Talib is off to a good start in training camp, flashing good speed and instincts, incumbent starting CB Phillip Buchanon is enjoying an even better camp. Talib has done a nice job picking up the intricacies of DC Monte Kiffin's Cover 2 scheme and Tampa Bay coaches are happy with his progress, but if the season started today, Talib would be the nickel back behind CB Ronde Barber and Buchanon, who has solidified his starting job with a strong commitment to getting better with each practice. If Talib fails to unseat Buchanon as a starter, he still figures to factor heavily into Tampa Bay's secondary, beginning with the Sept. 7 opener at New Orleans. The Bucs utilize a third corner on almost 50 percent of their defensive snaps. With Barber manning the slot in the nickel, Talib will have every opportunity to show he can handle receivers that are flanked out wide.

(ffmastermind.com)