The Buccaneers won’t get any resolution to cornerback Aqib Talib’s status before the draft.
Talib’s lawyer told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that the start date of Talib’s trial on charges of assault with a deadly weapon has been moved to June 25th. The charges stem from a March 2011 incident when shots were fired at the boyfriend of Talib’s sister and the trial date has been pushed back several times for various reasons since Talib was indicted last May.
Assuming LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne lasts until the fifth overall pick, the Bucs will have to decide whether or not to pick him without knowing if Talib will be with the team for the 2012 season. Reports out of Tampa have the Bucs leaning toward Alabama running back Trent Richardson with that pick with the signing of Eric Wright and return of Ronde Barber likely impacting their decision on that front.
Talib may also be facing a suspension at some point during the 2012 season, something the Buccaneers will also have to consider before making their selection.