With the offseason officially here, many teams have turned their attention to the 2015 NFL Draft. It is the draft that offers hope and optimism to beleaguered fan bases, likely one of the reasons it has become a marquee event for the NFL.
This year's draft boasts a slew of intriguing prospects, but Florida State's Jameis Winston is likely the most interesting of the pack. Winston led FSU to an undefeated season in 2013, winning the Heisman Trophy and a National Title. The Seminoles came up just short this year, losing to Oregon in the Semi-Final round.
All of Winston's accomplishments have been mired in controversy as he has found himself under investigation for rape (no charges were filed) and suspended for multiple off-field incidents. The talent seems to be there -- Winston has incredible field vision and pocket awareness for such a young QB -- but questions about his maturity and decision making persist.
Despite the off-field concerns, ESPN's NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. still listed Winston as this year's No. 1 prospect.
"When Winston plummeted on by board during the season, it was a direct reflection of major concerns from me and from teams about whether he was draftable if he didn't show maturity," Kiper wrote. "It's easy to say in hindsight that I dropped him too far, but it certainly reflected my opinion and the opinion of those I respect on where Winston stood at the time. Since then, my sense is that some of those concerns have diminished - no other mistakes have been made - and while Winston faces scrutiny in the coming months on his maturity and play, he is still considered the top quarterback in this draft and arguably the top overall player.
"Winston has a good football mind and great physical talent, with special pocket instincts and the necessary vision, size, arm strength and athleticism. He also has the ability to manipulate the pocket, see pressure early and deliver the ball to the right target. But there have been mistakes, and that extends beyond the field."
Winston threw for 3,559 yards with 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions last season. Critics point to his decreased production in 2014 as a sign of regression, though FSU did lose 11 starters to the NFL after 2013. This includes No. 1 target Kelvin Benjamin, who has drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers. Even with the diminished talent around him, Winston still managed to help manufacture come-from-behind victories against NC State, Notre Dame and Louisville.
Kiper has Winston being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the No. 1 overall pick in his Mock Draft 1.0.
