2015 NFL Draft Pro Comparison: Jameis Winston

Nov 8, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks to throw as he is pressured by Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Mike Moore (32) during the first half at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

He is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing players of the 2015 NFL draft.  One question about Jameis Winston everybody will ask though is which pro does he resemble?  Here is an overview to figure that out.

School:  Florida State

6’4″

230 lbs

2014 stats – 2,540 yards, 19 TDs and 11 interceptions

Scouting Report:

He has the size pro quarterback typically need to thrive in the pros together with the strong arm to deliver the ball anywhere he wants on the field.  What people forget is his athleticism.  He can run if he really wanted to but Winston prefers to throw the ball and has worked hard at that craft.  Shows timing and accuracy on his passes and makes far more good decisions than bad with the ball.  Runs a pro style offense for the Seminoles and already boasts a Heisman trophy and national championship.  Best of all, he plays his best when his team is behind in games.

Where he hurts himself is off the field.  He’s undergone a series of investigations for everything from shoplifting to sexual assault and now even a points-shaving incident.  That sounds like a kid who is dangerously teetering between immature and outright criminal.  Several teams aren’t going to want to risk the future of their franchise on that, in spite of his obvious gifts for the game.

So with taking all that into account, who does Winston best resemble?

Pro Comparison:  Steve McNair

Truly the first Jameis Winston of college football was Steve McNair.  The only reason people didn’t remember him that way was because he played at Alcorn State, a Division II school.  In terms of measurables, the two are very similar.  McNair was 6’3″ and 230 lbs with that ability to break tackles and run whenever he wanted but also the arm and accuracy to run a legitimate passing game.  That was why he finished third in the Heisman voting and became the third pick in the 1995 draft.  A three-time Pro Bowler, he won the MVP in 2003 and led the Tennessee Titans to their only Super Bowl appearance.

Also like Winston, McNair had his share of problems off the field.  He got into paternity issues with multiple women, was arrested for DUI and most tragically, shot to death by his girlfriend.  It was a tale of two extremes.  Played hard on the field and played hard off it.

Jameis Winston has that look as well, so teams will have to judge it carefully in the 2015 NFL draft.