QB Jameis Winston NFL Draft Fits: Buccaneers, Jets, Rams
By Erik Lambert
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
Is he the most talented player in the 2015 NFL Draft? Not quite, but Jameis Winston is the most pro-ready quarterback and that makes him the hottest commodity on the board. There may be several teams who want him but not all of them can be considered the best fits for who he is and what he can do.
Winston has all sorts of hype surrounding him after a successful two-year stint at Florida State where he racked up a Heisman trophy, a national championship and a 26-1 record. He also collected a series of off-the-field incidents including sexual assault allegations, shoplifting charges and a suspension for lewd behavior.
Not every team is equipped to handle all of that baggage … Here are the ones that are.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rest assured it goes beyond just the need at quarterback as to why Jameis Winston is considered almost a lock to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at #1.
For starters, it’s a Florida-based franchise — the fan following would be enormous and a huge money draw for the Bucs. They will want to run a true pro-style offense predicated on running the ball and playing defense, something Winston is very familiar with.
Lastly, the presence of Lovie Smith who is known as a “players coach” who can maintain discipline and generally keep them out of trouble. He’s the perfect coach, who is rumored to like Winston, to keep the former FSU star in check.
New York Jets
The same can be said for the New York Jets. They have a new head coach in Todd Bowles who has a reputation for being a laid-back coach who can deliver a bite with his words when he has to. That will be needed with the 21-year old Winston as he continues to mature.
The Jets seem ready to put an end to the Geno Smith experiment and Winston’s experience in a pro offense would allow him to start right away. It’s an ideal situation for them. The big question will be whether or not the young quarterback can handle the media pressure cooker of New York?
St. Louis Rams
Running the ball and playing defense will also be the trademark of the St. Louis Rams, but their real advantage in the event of landing Jameis Winston would be head coach Jeff Fisher. Not only is he one of the most experienced in pro football today, but he also has a long history of success working with African-American quarterbacks.
Steve McNair became a league MVP and took the Tennessee Titans to a Super Bowl under his watch. Vince Young reached two Pro Bowls in their time together. On top of that, Fisher has a reputation for being able to manage somewhat questionable personalities. Just ask Albert Haynesworth. If Winston falls to the Rams at #10, it would make for a great marriage.
Smart money right now says he still ends up going first to the Bucs, but everybody knows the draft is never cooperative in terms of predictions.