The 2015 NFL draft is fast approaching and Jameis Winston is one of the top targets for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans in the first round and if he slips down past those teams, the NY Jets and Cleveland Browns likely would consider trading up for him after his standout college career at Florida State.
The Buccaneers finished the 2014 season with a 2-14 record and they clinched the top spot over the Titans based on strength of schedule. Tampa Bay ended the season with a loss to the New Orleans Saints and they are almost guaranteed to pick a quarterback, as they have a glaring need at the position. Mike Glennon is young and wasn't drafted by the Lovie Smith regime, while Josh McCown dealt with injuries and struggled after signing as a free agent.
The Buccaneers have holes everywhere, but Adam Schefter, Mel Kiper and other NFL media members think Winston makes sense at number one. Winston has some major off the field issues, but he has been amazing on the field in college and with Tampa Bay being in Florida, Winston could sell a ton of tickets. Winston led Florida State to an undefeated season last year and a national championship and his season he led the team to the college football playoff before losing to Oregon.
The Titans also could be in the market for a quarterback and they may pick whoever is leftover between Mariota and Winston. The Buccaneers could take Mariota, but so far early reports have most scouts putting Winston ahead of Mariota. Mel Kiper and other draft experts see Winston as the more pro-ready quarterback and his size gives him an advantage as well. Todd McShay described Winston as the better prospect when compared to Mariota, as he played in a more pro ready offense than Mariota.
Winston only lost one game as a starter with Florida State and he set record with his stats and won a Heisman Trophy as a redshirt freshman. Winston put up over 60 touchdowns and nearly 8000 yards in his college career, but he has major questions off the field. Winston has dealt with multiple incidents, including an alleged sexual assault and that could force him to drop in the draft. If Winston gets past the first few picks, expect teams like the Jets and Browns to check in on trading up.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders at picks three and four are likely to pass up taking quarterbacks, as those teams took Blake Bortles and Derek Carr last season. The Redskins are likely to stick with RG3, while the Jets, Browns, Bills and Eagles all could look at trading up if one of the quarterbacks falls in the first round. Winston is an electric talent, but his issues could keep him from going number one overall.