Fansided

Jameis Winston is exceeding Buccaneers’ expectations already

By Connor Muldowney

May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s still early, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching staff is singing the praises of No. 1 overall draft pick, Jameis Winston.

Heading into rookie minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jameis Winston had a lot riding on his No. 1 overall status. Many people were expecting a decent performance to start out his days with the Buccaneers, but it was much more than that.

The coaching staff loved the idea of drafting the local collegiate star with their first overall pick and they hoped he would develop into the franchise quarterback.

However, it seems like Winston is already almost at the level of being ‘the guy’ and the coaching staff has been more than impresses with the young star. The Bucs were obviously expecting the most out of Winston as the No. 1 overall pick, but they didn’t know he would progress this quickly.

Buccaneers’ G.M. Jason Licht even noticed the growing greatness, telling USA Today how the young QB’s first days are going.

"“I told my wife, Blair, ‘I gave him an A. I thought it was a great day. He knew the offense already. He wasn’t overwhelmed. He was even a little ahead of the game. He was already trying to change protections. The coaches were like, ‘Wait up. Hold on.’ You’re right. But the other guys aren’t there yet.'” –Jason Licht"

Coming out of Florida State as maybe a guy who many saw as unfit to run a NFL team, Winston is looking like a kid who is developing into a man before the coaches’ eyes.

Winning the Heisman and a national title in the same year wasn’t enough to get the nation on Winston’s side as he was always overcoming adversity — whether it was battling sexual abuse charges or coming clean about his theft of crab legs from a local grocery store.

While it’s still very early as these kids were just drafted a little over a week ago, this is still enough positive traction for Winston to be on the fast track to success. Hearing the coaching staff and higher-ups say that he’s looking less like a rookie and more like a veteran under center has to be refreshing.

Jameis still hasn’t officially been named the starter, but last week Licht made a statement saying that there was a reason he was picked No. 1 overall, and it’s not to hold a clipboard.

The Jameis era in Tampa Bay has finally begun.

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