Aqib Talib a Risky Addition for Patriots

                          Talib has the talent to be a top 15 cornerback in the NFL, but his attitude has held him back. The Patriots secondary has been pathetic so far this season, and everyone knew something had to be done.  Bill Belichick knew it too, so he went out and traded for troubled Tampa Bay cornerback Aqib Talib.  Talib was selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft after playing three years at the University of Kansas.  At 6’1, 205lbs, he is a good sized corner with above-average ball skills and athleticism.  He has the ability to shut down an opponent’s top receiver and his 18 career interceptions would give him the most of anyone on the Pats roster.  Talib has the talent to be a premiere corner in this league, but off the field issues have disrupted his career. Talib was suspended on October 13th for four games for violating the NFL’s drug policy; he admitted to using Adderall without a prescription.  As a rookie he was involved in fist fight with teammate Cory Boyd.  In 2009 Talib allegedly beat up a taxi driver and was arrested in Florida.  He was arrested again in 2011 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting a gun at his sister’s boyfriend, but the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.  Talib’s off the field issues make him a major risk for the Patriots and there is good chance he doesn’t even last a week in the organization, but it is a risk worth taking because the secondary is in dire need of help.  Talib can be great player and greatly help the Patriot’s suspect defense, but he must stay out of trouble to save his NFL career. - Jonathan Duncan