The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft is still a week away, but several players are getting a jump start on deciding their future as a number of projected top picks have announced their decision to forego their final years of NCAA eligibility and turn professional. However, several big names still remain with a question mark, but Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston is no longer one of them, deny several rumors and making it clear he is headed for the NFL in 2015.
Winston confirmed the report from his father on Wednesday, declaring for the 2015 NFL Draft and saying he will not return to Florida State for one more season. There were several rumors floating around about Winston's future. Sporting News reported earlier in the week that Winston was leaning towards returning to college after ending on a sour note. David Hale of ESPN.com reported Winston would wait until after the national championship game to decide, wanting to see what Marcus Mariota does. However, the quarterback announced it is official and he will turn pro.
"After weighing this decision with my family and friends, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft and forgo my remaining eligibility at Florida State," Winston said in the statement via ESPN. "I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom."
Now the question becomes where Winston falls on the draft board. Right now, ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr has Winston as the second-best quarterback behind Mariota who is expected to declare as well. However, while no one is questioning Winston's physical abilities to start in the NFL, some believe his off-the-field issues could hurt his draft stock. A large number of teams need a quarterback, but will Winston be overlooked thanks to the number of non-football headlines he found himself in?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the top pick and barring any trades will reportedly select Mariota. The Tennessee Titans select second and could pick Winston to replace the struggling Jake Locker. The Jaguars will not take a quarterback at the third pick having just selected Blake Bortles. Bleacher Reports' Mock Draft has Winston falling to No. 5 to the Washington Redskins who could aim to replace Robert Griffin III.
Where Winston lands is anyone's guess. Brett Hundley, Garrett Grayson and potentially Dak Prescott will also headline the quarterback class of 2015 with a number of teams looking for changes at the position.
