Florida State quarterback prospect Jameis Winston is expected to go No. 1 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft. Winston is a former Heisman, an in-state prospect, and is widely considered the most pro-ready quarterback in this class. However, even though Bucs coaches are reportedly sold on him, they may not have the final call.
Per Yahoo Sports, a source said Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, the daughter of late Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer, is believed to have a lot of influence on whom the Buccaneers select. While this source didn't say she was anti-Winston, ownership does have to approve of the pick, and Kassewitz has raised concerns about the message sent to the community if Winston gets picked first overall.
Making matters even more complicated was a dip in performance last year for Winston from his Heisman-winning freshman campaign. Last year without NFL players Kelvin Benjamin and Devonta Freeman surrounding him, Winston threw 25 touchdowns against 18 interceptions. The previous year Winston tossed 40 touchdowns against just 10 picks, and put up better rushing numbers.
His Seminoles reached the College Football Playoff with a perfect record, but had to win several games in the final minutes in a weak ACC conference. In the Playoff, Florida State was smoked by Marcus Mariota's Oregon Ducks.
Winston has compounded matters by reportedly disappointing some in his workouts, and there's of course the stigma of a high-profile rape charge that was levied against him, but ultimately dropped.
Still, despite numbers that don't shine like Mariota's and considerably more concerns off the field, Winston's stellar junior campaign, and his familiarity with a pro-style offense are likely enough to still give him the nod over Mariota.
[Yahoo]
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