Update: Jameis Winston's father has told reporters that his son will declare for the 2015 NFL draft.
It was almost a foregone conclusion that Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston would declare for the 2015 NFL draft after this season of college football. He had been named a Heisman Trophy winner; he had won a national championship. There just didn't seem to be anything left for Winston in college. But now reports are surfacing that Winston isn't so sure about his professional future.
"Jameis Winston won't announce a decision on whether he'll enter the NFL draft until after the College Football Playoff National Championship..." ESPN's David Hale wrote.
It's not uncommon for a highly touted prospect to wait to make his decision official. But this hesitation could mean more than just a courtesy to the Big Game. It seems as if Winston is feeling the strings of college ball more than anyone anticipated.
So, what are the pros and cons of staying in college?
Pros:
1. Winston has had several off-field incidents in his brief collegiate career. He's had run-ins with the law as well as questionable behavioral decisions. Unsurprisingly, many teams are wary of making him the face of their franchise. Nobody wants the second coming of JaMarcus Russell. Staying in college for another season would allow Winston the chance to show everyone that he has matured and understands what is expected of him as a potential franchise quarterback. An incident-free season would put the skeptical minds of a lot of NFL decision makers at ease.
2. Archie Griffin is the only college athlete to win two Heisman Trophies and that was back in the 70s. If Winston stayed in school for one more year, he would have another crack at history. You know what NFL talent evaluators will ultimately value more than maturity? Talent. If Winston were to notch another Heisman and/or National Championship, his skills would be virtually unquestioned. Teams would be 100 percent willing to take the risk on him because his ability would outweigh the question marks. The fact is, there are never enough franchise quarterbacks in the NFL. Even with off-field concerns, a winner with that type of track record would get his fair share of opportunities.
Cons:
1. What Winston absolutely does not want to be is a cautionary tale. Look at Georgia running back Todd Gurley, who was considered the best back in the nation this season. Gurley began the year on a tear before being suspended for four games and then tearing his ACL upon his return. Now Gurley, who was likely to be the first running back taken in the first round since Trent Richardson in 2012, may lose millions of dollars as his draft stock suffers. Winston's draft stock will never be higher than it is now. Even with all of the off-field concern, he is still a challenge to Oregon's Marcus Mariota for the No. 1 overall pick. But a serious injury or another boneheaded move on his part could knock him off most teams' radar next season.
2. As I said before, there may not be anything left for Winston in college. He's been considered arguably the top QB prospect of the last two years. He comes from a pro-style offense. It's possible that Winston has learned and developed as much as he can at this level. Staying another season could ultimately stunt his growth if he's reached his ceiling against collegiate competition. Getting reps under center in the NFL could be the necessary next step for him to reach his full potential.
Ultimately, I believe Winston should declare for the 2015 NFL draft. If he doesn't go No. 1 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then it's almost guaranteed he'd go No. 2 to the Tennessee Titans. That's how ESPN's draft insider Todd McShay has it working out in his Mock Draft 1.0. It's hard (and possibly ill-advised) to pass on millions of dollars.
Winston is physically ready for the NFL. The only question is if he is mentally ready.
