Final Analysis
Jameis Winston is sure to be the most debated prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft. After watching his tape there is no way to doubt his natural talent. The kid was born to play football and he’s really good at being a quarterback. If that was the only measure to consider when evaluating a player, he would be the slam dunk No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. But there’s a lot more that goes into evaluating a prospect.
The fact that Wilson regressed in 2014 is a serious concern. Given his size and lack of definition, it leads me to believe he didn’t put in the work off the field that he needed to be successful. He doesn’t look like he’s in peak physical condition and that makes me worry what other areas he slacked off on. He wasn’t on the same page as some of his receivers for what seemed like the entire season. It’s his job as the quarterback and undisputed team leader to work those issues out. Like I said, it is a serious concern, and if I’m an NFL team that perceived lack of dedication as alarming as his repeated off-field transgressions.
With all of that said, I just don’t think it’s possible that Winston drops out of the top 10 in this year’s draft. In fact, he’ll probably go in the top five. He’s too talented and at least one franchise’s leadership will convince itself that he can be fixed and his behavior reeled in by its coaching staff. Unless something disastrous happens during the draft evaluation process, Winston won’t be waiting around long on April 30 in Chicago.