Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski sure knows how to make a headline when it comes to the draft.
A year after indicating that Johnny Manziel wouldn’t last three games in the NFL due to his playing style (started two games in 2014 prior to suffering an injury) Jaws took on yet another top quarterback prospect in the lead up to the 2015 NFL draft.
I’ve studied a lot of him (Manziel), I think Jameis Winston has a big upside in the NFL, but there are some real flaws to his game,” Jaworski told ESPN’s Mike & Mike. “Quite honestly, I would not take him at that No. 1 pick. I’m not talking about the off-the-field stuff. I have no comment on that because I’m not privy to that kind of information. But there are certainly mechanical flaws in his game that are troubling to me”
It’s actually refreshing to hear a pundit analyze Winston’s on-field tape rather than taking on perceived off-field issues.
Following a stellar performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, Winston seems to be a lock to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first overall pick in late April.
However, there have been wide-ranging concerns over Winston’s mechanics—concerns that simply cannot be quieted because of a good performance in generic position-specific drills at the combine.
A couple of the biggest issues relating to Winston’s mechanics is a long wind up and an extended delivery, two things that could be issues at the next level against better defensive lines. While Jaws didn’t necessarily expand on his evaluation of the former Heisman winner, his concerns are obviously something the Buccaneers have looked at during their own evaluation process.
Photo: USA Today