NFL Draft Money Maker: Chicago Bears Take Jameis Winston

Nov 8, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) warms up before the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

Johnny Manziel was the one who drew headlines in 2014 during his fall in the first round before the Cleveland Browns jumped up late to grab him.  It was gripping NFL draft theater at its finest and figure to bring the league all sorts of attention (and money) over the months to come.

So is there any way for the 2015 draft to top that?  Certainly.  There are several scenarios that could play out but one that would absolutely dominate the public consciousness is if the Chicago Bears to Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston.

Think about it.

First of all there is the player himself.  Winston has remained a lightning rod for controversy since he first suited up for the Seminoles.  Aside from being a freakishly gifted athlete with tons of ability as a passer and leader, he’s also running close to a dangerous edge in terms of off the field troubles.  Not even done with his sophomore season and already he’s been caught shoplifting, suspended for lewd behavior, accused of sexual assault and linked to a points-shaving scandal.  That is bound to draw loads of attention by itself.

"“Winston clearly requires thorough investigation before any NFL team is going to be willing to draft him as the face of their franchise. On the field, however, Winston’s talent is clear and it was never more obvious than in his guiding the Seminoles to a comeback win over Notre Dame. Winston possesses ideal size, arm talent and rare composure for such a young player.”"

Now throw in the angle of the Bears taking him.  Keep in mind they just handed Jay Cutler $54 million in guaranteed money over the next three years.  However, he has since regressed this season, leading the NFL in turnovers with 15 and could’ve had a lot more.  Fans have signed off on him based on jersey burnings everywhere.  The big question is where does he stand with the coaches and front office?

To the cameras GM Phil Emery and head coach Marc Trestman project a firm belief in Cutler.  That’s not a surprise.  They have to because to do otherwise would show weakness, and at 3-6 that is something the Bears can’t afford.  However, after back-to-back-to-back blowout losses, the faith in Cutler as a leader for the team appears to be fading faster than paper towel held in front of a fire hose.

What better way to light a fire under him than providing competition in the form of Winston, something Cutler has never had to deal with in his career.  The Chicago Bears benefit both ways.  Either Jay plays better or he folds and they have their guy for the future.

It’s the kind of stuff that would create all sorts of buzz in one of the largest media markets in the country.  Or to the more business oriented folk: cha-CHING!