Ahmad

Black

Black has always had playmaking ability, but he’s undersized with a glaring lack of speed. The team is “still high” on Larry Asante as well, though they could look to free agents O.J. Atogwe or Melvin Bullitt along with a draft pick or two after losing both starting safeties.

Black had an extremely productive career with the Gators, but he’s undersized and speed-challenged at the NFL level. He figures to start his NFL career on special teams.

He’s behind converted CB Ronde Barber, while Cody Grimm is practicing as Mark Barron’s top backup at strong safety. Barber will drop down to cover the slot on passing downs this season, which could move Black into a nickel back role if he holds off Grimm and Larry Asante to be the Bucs’ third safety.

He was not arrested. Black had less than 20 grams of marijuana in his vehicle. He’s been a coverage asset in 175 subpackage snaps this season. The 2011 fifth-rounder is a candidate for suspension under the league’s substance abuse policy.

The 0-4 Bucs continue to raise eyebrows while on their bye week. Black played on 56-of-65 snaps in Week 4, but has been susceptible to coverage busts.

They’re times that could keep him out of the second round. Still a favorite of NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, Black was a playmaker for the Gators. In 39 career starts, he picked off 13 passes, batted down 28, returned three of the INTs for TDs, and recorded 14 tackles for loss. Dating back to high school, Black has 33 interceptions in his last seven seasons of football.

Undersized at 5-foot-9, Black has proven to have only 4.7 speed in the 40, causing his stock to free fall. He was a playmaker at Florida, but to be both that short and slow would be almost insurmountable in the NFL. He’s still likely to get drafted, however, if only because of his production at one of the nation’s best football schools.

Under-sized at 5-foot-9, Black nuked his draft stock by running a 4.7 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. However, he was extremely productive at one of the nation’s best football schools, and could be a nice project for Bucs HC Raheem Morris. A solid tackler, he’s most effective in zone coverage.

Sporting News’ Russ Lande and NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi both suggested Black will free-fall due to speed concerns. “That’s a fast, fast track,” said Lombardi. “4.7 is not a good time. He’s going to take a tumble.”

We still fear it may be too little too late for the fifth-round pick. Black has missed the last two preseason games after a quiet start to training camp. He needs to make an impression in the exhibition finale to avoid final cuts.