Rarely do we see a player with perceived off-field issues go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft. In fact, it would be quite the project to actually find one.
Whether former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has character concerns may be a question better left for five years down the road. What we do know is that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold the first pick in the upcoming 2015 NFL draft, appear to be okay with selecting Winston with that top pick.
You know, we spent a lot of time with Jameis. We spent a lot of time with Marcus Mariota. There are other potential players that could be up there with the first pick. But yes, we as an organization are comfortable. We’re comfortable with Jameis,” Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said.
In addition to earning the Heisman Trophy two years ago, Winston’s on-field success included a national championship with the Seminoles in his two seasons as the team’s full-time starter.
However, a bevy of off-field issues have followed the quarterback over the years. From sexual assault allegations (no charges) to stealing crab legs, Winston has been a hot-button issue around the college football world.
Not to leave out another top quarterback prospect, Marcus Mariota, Glazer concluded that the team is happy with both the perceived franchise signal callers.
We found both Jameis and Marcus to be impressive young men when we spent our time with them. Great success in college. Both academically very successful. Unbeliveable amount of work on both players and other potential players in this draft. We as an organization are comfortable.
With that said, it sure sounds like the Buccaneers are expecting to spend that first pick on Winston. If so, it appears he’s a risk worth taking in Tampa Bay’s mind.
Photo: USA Today