Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Jameis Winston The Right Choice?

January 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

With the release of Josh McCown and pending trade discussions for Mike Glennon, it’s no longer a question of if by when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select a quarterback with the #1 pick in the 2014.  All signs indicate that head coach Lovie Smith has an eye for Florida State standout Jameis Winston.  In fact, rumors insist that he dictated whom he hired for his offensive coordinator based on whether the person liked Winston or not.

"“From what I have gathered, Smith chose Dirk Koetter as his offensive coordinator over Marc Trestman.  The logic was simple. Although Smith and Trestman had similar philosophies about how to run an offense, they disagreed on the quarterbacks. Trestman preferred Mariota.  Smith favors Winston and Smith is the boss. There is lots of logic behind Smith’s preference.”"

Based on a current view of things, the Buccaneers have a number of reasons to like Winston.

• He’s big, strong, mobile, cool in the clutch and a fierce competitor that bleeds into his teammates.
• He has a Heisman trophy
• He has a national champion and just one loss in two seasons as a starter.
• He made his name at Florida State and Tampa is a Florida franchise.

The benefits are clear, concise and alluring for a team in sore need of a reboot at quarterback.  However, Winston also has his well-documented off the field issues.  There’s the rape allegations, the shoplifting, the lewd behavior and just the general immaturity in regards to his coaches.  Does Smith believe he can control that, especially with Winston about to inherit millions of dollars?

This is what makes the counterargument of Marcus Mariota so difficult to ignore.  While he doesn’t have some of the qualities Winston enjoys, the Oregon star isn’t light on his own accomplishments.

• Tall and blazing fast for a quarterback but polished enough as a passer to stand in the pocket and deliver.
• He also has a Heisman trophy.
• He is the only quarterback to defeat Winston in college play.
• He has zero character or off-the-field concerns surrounding him.

Jameis Winston may have a slight edge in overall talent, but the baggage that comes with it can’t be dismissed.  Lovie Smith has to ask the question.  Are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ready for that challenge, or are they better off playing it safe with a squeaky clean gamble like Mariota?

Expect this debate to rage until April 30^th.