Scouting The Draft: Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Introduction

I will openly admit that I've found it very difficult to evaluate Jameis Winston. My final opinion of him has ranged from budding superstar to a likely bust. From thinking he has everything to become a complete package, to thinking the deficiencies in his game will cripple him at the NFL level. I also appreciate that opinions on Winston vary significantly and no other figure polarized fan opinion quite as much. I know he has his fans and I know he has his detractors and I'm probably somewhere in the middle.

Winston has some growing up to do, that much is beyond any doubt. From a sexual assault allegation to a shoplifting incident, Winston has found it difficult to stay out of the news for the wrong reasons. He was suspended for a game this year for a vulgar incident at the student union and he's been caught up in an autograph situation. All in all, the questions about whether he is mature enough to handle the money that comes with his fame are valid ones, and he'll be grilled substantially at the combine about his off-field problems. Some teams will remove him completely from their boards, some will give him a lower grade and for some it won't matter all that much.

I will just say right now, I think Winston is drafted #1 overall, meaning the Jets don't have a shot. However stranger things have happened in the NFL draft. He's not the best player in this draft, but with the value placed on a QB and Tampa Bay needing a signal caller, I doubt he falls into our laps at #6.

The former Heisman winner burst onto the scenes last year, leading Florida State to a come-from-behind win against the Auburn Tigers. Winston has made a name for himself by starting slow but finishing strong, showing a great deal of on-field leadership and the ability to really pluck victory from defeat. His unbeaten streak was ended this year when an underwhelming performance resulted in Florida State loosing to the Oregon Ducks.

There were some rumours that Winston would head back to school in 2015 due to his desire to play baseball. 2015 represents the first time since 2009 that the number of underclassman entering the draft declined on the previous year. However earlier this month it was confirmed that Winston would forego his remaining years of eligibility to turn professional.

If  Winston can grow up, the world is his oyster, however that's a pretty big if.

Measurables

Height: 6'4

Weight: 230lb's

Class: Sophomore

Projected 40: 4.65

Statistics

Positives

• I've never seen a better field general in the college ranks, his leadership is off the charts.
• He has good size, good bulk and decent enough speed.
• He has a very strong arm, the ability to make all the NFL throws with zip and velocity
• Moves very well inside the pocket, slides and climbs with ease and shows good ability to extend plays.
• Has worked in a pro-style offense taking snaps under centre.
• Shows good vision, sees the whole field and works through progressions.
• Has a real toughness to him, stands firm in the pocket under pressure, delivering the football.
• Has a good internal clock that allows him to get rid of the football when he needs to.
• Has excellent timings and trust in his wide receivers, releasing the football as receivers are breaking.
• Shows a good touch on his intermediate and deep routes.
• Clutch performer, often makes his best throws when the game is on the line.
• Doesn't key in on one receiver, already has the ability to freeze secondaries with his eyes.
• Has good mobility to extend plays and shows a comfort level throwing on the run.
• Takes what the defense gives him, uses his hot reads and check downs efficiently.
• Very comfortable calling audibles at the line when noticing what defenses are giving him
• A very committed and tough runner who's very difficult to bring down.

Negatives

Draft Grade: 92