Jameis Winston: Florida State QB 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, Jameis Winston still maintains a first-round grade while being the center of many off-field issues and questions. With the recent reports of the timing of his decision being a bit later than expected, analysts continue to weigh in on the Florida State QB’s projected draft stock.

Todd McShay, ESPN’s respected NFL Draft analyst, had an several strong “on-field” takes on his recent media conference call:

“Inside the lines” is a microcosm of the debate we’ll all be having over the next several months.

Winston can win. His skills say he can play in the NFL.

However, the recent, heated sideline debates and 2014 first-half mental meltdowns will constantly accompany Winston’s name if he decides to declare before the January 15th deadline.

STRENGTHS 

• Naturally, gifted athlete that possesses all physical tools needed to start an NFL career
• Well above-average arm, has ability to make all throws
• Fantastic accuracy when he makes the right decisions
• Tough kid that didn’t miss a game due to injury in two years

WEAKNESSES 

It’s hard to take a look at Winston’s game, study him endlessly, and come out unimpressed with anything. Despite tossing 18 interceptions in 2014 – several that weren’t his fault – Winston’s game is clean. The off-field issues are evident; every team will spotlight them.

At the end of the day, it’s going to take a team that loves him in the interview process and trusts that the big-bodied athlete can become the face of a franchise for 10+ years. That is the goal of every quarterback draft pick, after all.

OTHER EVALUATIONS 

Walter Football: #1 QB in the class, Top-10 pick

CBS Sports: #2 QB, Top-5 pick

NFL – Bucky Brooks: #1 QB in the class