The clock is ticking for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft. With the deadline just over a week away, several big-named college athletes have to decide what their future looks like. With the draft order almost set as the playoffs continue, the top ten teams have their eyes on players who still have a year of NCAA eligibility left. Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston headline that class and one of the two quarterbacks might opt to return to college for their final season.
Winston's season is officially over after Florida State lost to Oregon in the first-round of the College Football Playoffs. The quarterback did not exactly end on a high note as he went just 29 for 45 for 348 yards, one interception and three fumbles while losing one. If that was his final college game, it was certainly a sour one as the Seminoles saw their two-year win streak end. Following the game, Winston did not take the bait on whether or not he planned on entering the draft, something most assume he plans to do.
"I'm not focused on that at all. I'm looking forward to next season and playing baseball," Jameis said, via Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times.
This has been the stance that most college players have been taking, opting not to announce their decision until the deadline. However, according to Sporting News, Winston is leaning towards returning to Florida State for one more year instead of heading to the NFL Draft. Team sources within Florida State are reportedly telling NFL teams to not count on Winston declaring as the quarterback has a bad taste in his mouth after getting demolished in the Rose Bowl. Not to mention his off-the-field antics have soured his draft status.
If Winston does not declare, it would certainly shake up the NFL Draft. Multiple teams are eyeing the quarterback as many assume Mariota will be taken No. 1 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The New York Jets have been looking at Winston while the Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams could also be considered favorites to draft the quarterback in the first round.
Outside of Winston and Mariota, the quarterback class becomes a bit average. Players like Brett Hundley, Dak Prescott and Bryce Petty are the only other big names left while players like Garrett Grayson from Colorado State and Sean Mannion from Oregon State could see a jump in their draft status.
