Fansided

Jameis Winston: Full scouting report for Florida State QB

By Ryan Phillips

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks to pass in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) looks to pass in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game against the Oregon Ducks at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) tries to avoid the pressure by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive end KeShun Freeman (42) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) tries to avoid the pressure by Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets defensive end KeShun Freeman (42) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Georgia Tech 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Pocket Presence and Intangibles

Winston is strong in the pocket and while he can run a bit, there is no doubt he’s a pocket passer. He is often compared to Ben Roethlisberger and I think that comparison fits given his innate ability to sense and avoid pressure in the pocket while keeping his eyes down field. This play against Wake Forest as a freshman is indicative of what he can do when facing pressure. He’ll be a guy who can bail out and get you some first downs with his legs, but he’s not going to be rushing for 50 or more yards a game. He’s mobile without being a runner.

One thing any sane observer can’t argue with is that on the field and in the locker room, Jameis Winston is an alpha dog-type who is in complete control. He is a fantastic leader between the lines of a football field. If we didn’t know what we do about his off-field transgressions, he would probably be the top pick in the draft based on that alone. He has a commanding presence on the field and in the huddle.

He is well-liked by teammates and coaches despite the fact that he does so many boneheaded things off the field. That speaks volumes about their confidence in him on the field. The guy just gets it done. Need proof? Watch the final drive of the BCS Championship Game from his redshirt freshman year. Down four with 1:15 left, he led the Seminoles on an 80-yard drive that was capped off with a two-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin.

Winston is very advanced from a mental perspective on the field. He goes through his progressions quickly and can diagnose defenses better than anyone in this draft class. On that front, his transition to the NFL won’t be nearly as steep as some of the other guys he’s competing against for draft position.

Next: Maturity

Home/NFL