Former NFL star Derrick Brooks mentoring Jameis Winston

By Evan Massey | Feb 9, 2015

Nov 8, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) warms up before the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Former NFL star linebacker Derrick Brooks is campaigning for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to draft Jameis Winston, and is mentoring the young quarterback.

Jameis Winston is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft, but analysts are split on whether he will be drafted with the first pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Marcus Mariota is another potential option for the Buccaneers, and is considered far superior by quite a few different analysts.

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That being said, former NFL star linebacker Derrick Brooks is campaigning for the Buccaneers to take Winston. He was a member of the Buccaneers during his prime, and was one of the best defensive players in the league.

According to a report from BucsBlitz, Brooks is likely to end up as one of Winston’s main mentors if the Buccaneers do draft him.

Tampa Bay is in desperate need of finding a franchise quarterback, and they cannot afford to miss with the No. 1 overall pick. Winston has talent and could end up being a very good quarterback, but Mariota seems like the more sure thing despite having some issues of his own.

During his two seasons at Florida State, Winston ended up throwing for 7,964 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. He will need to improve his game from the shoulders up especially in order to adapt his game to the NFL level, but he has all of the physical tools to be successful. At 6’4″ and 230 pounds, his physical ability isn’t in question.

It is going to be very intriguing to see who the Buccaneers end up taking in the draft, but Winston has to feel good after getting Brooks’ support. Hopefully if he does end up in Tampa, Winston will take the mentoring that Brooks offers.

There is plenty of talent in both of the top quarterbacks in the 2015 draft class. Tampa Bay has a tough decision ahead of them, and there isn’t much of a favorite between Winston and Mariota at this point in time. Winston would be the logical choice for the Buccaneers if they want to sell tickets by keeping an in-state star in Florida.

Expect to hear plenty more news and rumors about Winston in the coming weeks as the offseason starts up.

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