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Jameis Winston: Five reasons he is the next great QB in the NFL

By John Buhler

Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. An Already Strong Understanding of Pocket Presence

This trait perhaps is Jameis Winston’s greatest strength as a young passer. While it may come across as more exciting to scramble outside of the pocket to make throws, Winston has a strong pocket presence that some young passers never seem to fully grasp.

Though he has the body of a defensive end, venturing of the pocket can prove costly to a quarterback’s overall health. While Winston does at times display dual-threat ability, he’d probably say that he’s a pocket passer that makes plays with his feet when he absolutely has to.

This understanding gives Winston a better feel for the game by letting plays develop rather than searching for an answer when plays break down via scrambling. At the end of the day, a quarterback solidifies his reputation from strong pocket presence. Winston has plenty of role models to pattern his game after that follow these guidelines as an NFL passer.

When watching him play, Winston is always looking to make the throw, even after the pocket collapses. Great players like Cam Newton, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Russell Wilson keep their eyes down the field looking to complete a pass before scrambling as a last resort. Winston plays the same way and that helps him in his development and his longevity as an NFL starting quarterback.

Next: 1. The Intrinsic Qualities of a Champion

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