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2015 NFL Draft: 5 players Tampa Bay Buccaneers should draft instead of Jameis Winston

By Andrew Garda

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith walks on the sidelines as the New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith walks on the sidelines as the New Orleans Saints beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the final minute of the fourth quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Oregon Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass in the final minute of the fourth quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Oregon Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Let’s get this out of the way from jump. It was clear last season that the Lovie Smith coaching staff is not on ‘Team Mike Glennon’ so that leaves a giant gap under center. Maybe they like Glennon more than everything indicates they do, but let’s assume the empirical data is correct.

Which means they need a quarterback and if they aren’t going with Winston, there is really only one other guy who could be a starter on day one.

The advantage Marcus Mariota brings to the table is his mobility. Given the issues the Buccaneers’ offensive line has, a quarterback who can scramble and freelance when he leaves the pocket would be a huge thing for the offense.

Mariota’s reaction time and ability to create as the play breaks down are a big advantage here as well. As important is how well Mariota protects the ball, as he rarely had more than one interception in a game. He’s also a very coachable player, which means he could quickly adapt to the offense he would be playing in for the Bucaneers.

If you’re going to get a quarterback who has a shot to start in year one, in this draft it’s Winston or Mariota and that’s it.

Why you stick with Winston:

The problem is, Mariota is a pure upside projection. Sure, he has talent, but the offense he played in at Oregon was pretty straightforward and simple, and while he has a sharp mind, we don’t know how quickly he can adapt, if ever. Mariota also needs to develop a little more feel in the pocket. It’s all well and good he can scramble, but if he doesn’t feel pressure quickly enough he won’t get the chance.

On the field, he’s not quite the sure thing Winston appears to be.

Next: Dante Fowler Jr, OLB, Florida

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