Fansided

10 leading candidates for rookie of the year

By Andrew Garda

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3), number one overall draft pick, poses for a photo with general manager Jason Licht, co-chairman Bryan Glazer, co-chairman Edward Glazer, co-chairman Joel Glazer and head coach Lovie Smith during a press conference at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3), number one overall draft pick, poses for a photo with general manager Jason Licht, co-chairman Bryan Glazer, co-chairman Edward Glazer, co-chairman Joel Glazer and head coach Lovie Smith during a press conference at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As a quarterback, Jameis Winston already has a leg up on most other positions. He also walked into a pretty good situation overall when he was drafted with the first pick of the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s got two great receivers in Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans, as well as a solid tight end in second-year player Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Doug Martin struggled in the backfield last season, but I believe he will bounce back this year.

The Bucs are also working on the offensive line, and rookies Ali Marpet and Donovan Smith could be starting at guard (or possibly tackle) sometime this year although Demar Dotson played well at both tackles last year.

Still, the Bucs tried to improve the offensive line and if it’s a successful effort, Winston will be able to take advantage of the weapons he has.

From an individual standpoint, Winston was the closest thing to a ready-to-go quarterback in a relatively weak draft class. A big, strong pocket-passer who has a lot of experience in a pro-style offense, Winston has the basic tools to succeed. He sees the field very well and once he gets used to the speed of NFL defenders should protect the ball, though last season showed that his decision-making needs further polish.

If he’s pressured because the offensive line isn’t holding up its end of the bargain, he might rush himself and we could see a repeat of the interceptions which plagued his 2014 season. He also has to show up ready to play as much of last season he appeared to only start playing well halfway through the game.

Winston can move when he is forced out of the pocket, but he has limited ability to extend the play when he has to move. Of course, there are also the off-the-field issues, where he alternatively showed a shocking lack of maturity and a stunning tendency towards poor choices.

If he stumbles off the field in his rookie season, you can kiss this award goodbye.

Next: Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans?

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