Jameis Watch: “I Have Concerns About That Guy”

January 29th, 2015
Jameissquint

A four-time Pro Bowl quarterback weighs in via a private chat with Joe at Super Bowl Media Day.

Crab-legs-stealing, BB-gun-shooting, obscenity-hollering, Heisman-Trophy-winning, former national champion Jameis Winston, the pride of Florida State University, continues to look like a much better quarterback prospect than Mike Glennon and Josh McCown.

It’s Joe’s daily nugget on the Jameis Watch, celebrating the best quarterback to wear No. 5 ever in the state of Florida.

Joe’s got a lot of respect for Rich Gannon, the resurrected quarterback who went from 33-year-old journeyman to four-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders.

That’s what the Bucs were looking for with Josh McCown. Instead, McCown was a trainwreck.

Last year, at Super Bowl Media Day, Gannon was adamant to Joe that the Bucs should hand the ball to Mike Glennon and not play games with a QB in the draft or in free agency.

Joe sat down with Gannon again on Tuesday to talk Bucs football. Eventually, the subject of Jameis Winston came up, and Gannon’s sour body language matched his words.

“I have concerns about that guy,” Gannon said. “Just in terms of the decision making on and off the field. There are things in his game where he has to improve, his footwork his accuracy. Obviously, physically, you watch him and there are things in his game you like. He’s a big guy. He can throw the football, but I think the maturity and off-the-field concerns are going to be a real issue for a team like the Buccaneers that are desperate to improve their quarterback play, and any other team that would look at him.”

With the microphone off, Joe talked to Gannon a bit more about the footwork and mechanics of Winston. It’s not that Gannon thinks Winston needs to be overhauled, but the point made was he’s not a finished product who simply needs to adapt to NFL speed and defenses.

Regardless, Joe will remember that sour look from Gannon. Winston’s not a guy Gannon would snatch with the No. 1 overall pick.

Joe will have more from Gannon in the coming days.

95 Responses to “Jameis Watch: “I Have Concerns About That Guy””

  1. Skyline Crew Says:

    “There are things in his game where he has to improve, his footwork his accuracy.”
    *******************

    Been saying that all along.

  2. Rob Says:

    Smart guy that Rich Gannon.

  3. lion Says:

    What QB out of college is a finished product? That is just absurd. What does Gannon want to find in the draft a player already as a skilled as Aaron Rodgers? Sour grapes it sounds like.

  4. Skyline Crew Says:

    Can’t wait for all the FSU homers to come in here and say Gannon is blind. Gannon sucks. Gannon is a terrible QB. Winston is God. Winston is the best of the best. Winston is better than Luck. If we draft Winston we will win a SB in 3 yrs (Luck couldn’t do that). If we draft Winston I’m going to stock him and still his jock strap. You know the usual Homer BS.

  5. Skyline Crew Says:

    What did he say about Mariota Joe? I’m sure you asked him.

  6. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    @Skyline

    Gannon could be the greatest or worst thing ever. Same goes for the opposite viewpoint of Gil Brandt.

    Doesn’t matter what you think you of him. Nor I. Nor Joe.

    What matters is what the front office thinks. I think they will use the first pick on him.

    That’s my opinion. Unless you are an actual paid scout, my opinion is just as valid is yours. And yours as mine. Think what you want, and so will everyone else.

    Come April 30th around 8:15, we will know more.

  7. bucrightoff Says:

    This is not a good year to draft a QB with the intention of starting him. Both Mariota and Winston have some work to do before they are NFL ready. But can you really afford to sit such an emotionally immature player as Winston and expect him to keep his head? That’s the big gamble.

  8. biff barker Says:

    Though a late bloomer, Gannon had some excellent years at Oakland. Reminds me of the time Father Dungy and the Bucs went to Oakland and were handed a 45-0 beatdown by Gannon and Coach Chucky.

  9. Pickgrin Says:

    At least you can’t be accused of just publishing stories that are 100% pro-Winston Joe.

    I don’t happen to agree with Gannon – but that’s OK.

    My guess is that he’s never spent any time looking closely into the “off the field concerns” and his opinions about Jameis “character” were based soley from what he’s heard through the media.

  10. INDYbucsfan Says:

    Gannon is blind. Gannon sucks. Gannon is a terrible QB. Winston is God. Winston is the best of the best. Winston is better than Luck. If we draft Winston we will win a SB in 3 yrs (Luck couldn’t do that). If we draft Winston I’m going to stock him and still his jock strap.
    BOOM

  11. Pickgrin Says:

    Love and Warrick Dunn Says:
    January 29th, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Come April 30th around 8:15, we will know more.

    ——————————————————–

    I think its gonna be more like 8:02. Bucs are not gonna waste much time getting that card with Winston’s name on it to the podium.

    “With the first pick in the 2015 NFL draft – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers select….. Jameis Winston – Quarterback – Florida State University….”

    Can’t wait to hear that sentence. I’m sure a few of you will need new TVs after throwing a beer bottle through it. Just a guess based on the prolific hate against Winston I see spewed here on a daily basis.

  12. Posey99 Says:

    We are not taking Winston #1. Highly doubtful any GM is going to take a risk on a guy that has decision making issues on and off the field with one of the top picks. Today’s NFL is different. Maybe Jameis is completely 100% innocent…doesn’t matter this guy is bringing all the media drama with him to whatever organization he ends up with. Everybody learned a lesson last year watching manziel and thinking he would grow up after walking across the stage. Sorry its not going to happen. Its common sense.

  13. DallasBuc Says:

    It would be so nice to have an actual threat at the QB position. Winston = threat

  14. Robert 9 Says:

    nice work joe. and this isn’t coming from senile old coot.

    Glennon will be our QB next year, we will make a big trade to move back a few spots and acquire picks, build the OL & DL and pick up a FA qb for backup. We will then have a high 1st round pick from said team that does draft him next year if we do need a qb.

    too many holes for lovie to risk his job over a guy with off the field issues or a guy who needs to develop. Koetter will mold the offense around what he has, just like he did in Atlanta.

  15. Vern4499 Says:

    I wonder if he worked on his accuracy and footwork before super bowl 37?

  16. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    @Pickgrin

    Totally agree. There will be my happiness with the pick, coupled with the most awesome case Schadenfreude against a small handful of posters here who say some really reprehensible stuff about him, or the guy here who called Winston supporters “uncharged rapists”.

    I really can’t wait for how pissed those specific people will be after the pick.

  17. Robert 9 Says:

    he’s a threat alright……..

  18. Robert 9 Says:

    now posey, theres no room for common sense in here 🙂

  19. HawaiianBuc Says:

    I think it’s so funny how all of us (myself included) react when a “expert” gives an opinion. If we disagree with his opinion, we say he’s an idiot, and we often proceed to find others he has wrongly endorsed in the past. If we agree, he’s the modern day Bill Polian and we should take every word he says as the Bible. Fact of the matter is, it’s hard to draft good players, and even harder to draft good QB’s. You can listen to experts all day long, but in the end nobody really knows. We can all pound our chest and point to guys we knew were going to bust, or even point to guys we knew were going to succeed. How many of us actually admit the ones we got wrong, which I guarantee you is well over 50% of the time for every single one of us? I don’t remember one person on this site even mentioning Russell Wilson. If put in charge, every single one of us would be the worst GM in the league. Don’t get it twisted folks. We’ll continue to all make like we know what’s going to happen with Jameis, Mariota, Williams, etc., but before you get cocky like you’re a football genius, remember who you are and what your real job isn’t.

    That being said, anyone who doesn’t want Winston is an idiot. J/K

  20. BucIt941 Says:

    Correct me if I am wrong isn’t “not” being 100% polished exactly how it is supposed to be for college kids coming to the NFL. Even if Winston is a plug and play QB doesn’t mean he doesn’t need work to improve and reach his full potential.

  21. bucrightoff Says:

    Winston cannot read a linebacker dropping into coverage. He had like 5 picks last year on that one alone. He has a ton of work to do. Throw him right in and expect Blake Bortles-level results. Lovie can’t afford that, it gets him fired.

  22. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    “before you get cocky like you’re a football genius, remember who you are and what your real job isn’t. ”

    Well said. If you are reading this right now, you know who you are.

    I’d say Hawaiian and STPbucsfan are two of the most level headed posters on here. And, they are both on opposing sides of the Winston debate.

  23. HawaiianBuc Says:

    “Winston cannot read a linebacker dropping into coverage. He had like 5 picks last year on that one alone. ”

    ——

    So you are telling me that a LB dropping into coverage is so rare that Winston can’t handle it? So he got blitzed on all his great plays? He won the Heisman and national championship running a pro style offense, despite the fact that he can’t read a LB in coverage? SMH

  24. bucs4lyfe Says:

    Jameis Winston, the pride of Florida State University?

    Damn Joe ever heard of Warrick Dunn, Deion Sanders, Dexter Jackson, brad Johnson, Derrick Brooks, Randy Moss just to name a few? Winston has been there two years and the amount of hate this school gets because of this kids proves how big time Florida state has become.

  25. armchairGM Says:

    I would love to take a poll of how many fans on here are FSU fans, Gator fans or maybe even Oregon fans. Because depending on the way these articles go feelings really seem to get bruised. Same goes for media and writers because it seems like local guys Cook of Pewter report who says on his twitter handle that he is the world’s biggest FSU fan and Gil Arcia seem to keep bringing up the Bucs love for Jameis but I don’t hear it from the national guys. I just read Adam Schefter says he believes the Bucs are leaning Winston and u had the whole Sal Palantonio comments. It kind of makes me wonder how many fans would feel the same about Winston if he played for another college program out of state? What if Mariota or Hundley played for FSU would fans want them? Personally I supported Winston and FSU all the way down to their last game but I still have preference of drafting and grooming Mariota although I know he needs work. Then the off the field stuff while it may not be huge to some here I just dont want to deal with the negative b.s. from fans around the country. I already hear it now when traveling and you talk to strangers and football comes up and everyone says who their team is and when I mention the Bucs there always seems to be a chuckle. I can imagine now because I see it on national message boards where Winston is demonized, I can imagine how my conversations with strangers will change at that point. I much like many on here will support whoever they draft but I tend to get into some heated arguments when it comes to sports and I know I am going to have some heated discussions defending Winston if he is drafted, but I will do it. Like I said my preference is Mariota while I know he isnt as great a thrower of the football at this time as Winston and may never be, I just like the fact that he also has other weapons. I know Winston can also make plays with his legs but I watched both in College and Mariota has a burst that is incredible. While I don’t want him running all of the time , I see him being a smart runner like Wilson , who takes no damage. One of the most frustrating thing to see as a fan is a defense that covers the field only to have a quarterback have them on their heels because they know he could also kill them if things breakdown. I think that extra intangible forces teams to play off balance and can be very demoralizing. Anyhow that’s my take on it far from a Winston hater, actually a supporter through his college career and will do so in his NFL but for my NFL team the Bucs I lean towards Mariota.

  26. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    ^^

    Randy Moss never actually played in a single game. What could have been…..Pete Warrick on one side, and Randy on the other. WOW.

  27. biff barker Says:

    bucrightoff Says:

    Winston cannot read a linebacker dropping into coverage. He had like 5 picks last year on that one alone. He has a ton of work to do. Throw him right in and expect Blake Bortles-level results. Lovie can’t afford that, it gets him fired.
    ————————————

    EJ Manuel, Bortles, Geno Smith, etc. All Rookie QB’s are going to struggle with NFL coverage schemes to some extent.

    That’s why I’m not buying the most “NFL ready” shtick the talking heads peddle.

  28. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Welp since the 2013 season his redshirt freshman National Championship season.

    I’ve been saying this kid was NFL ready out the gate.

    Nothing’s changed my mind about that. Even the 18 int’s. (numbers mean nothing)

    I like what he had to overcome this season. I think it made him a BETTER qb than he was the year before. He had to handle adversity and pressure on the field this past season unlike the year before while he and the Noles were blowing every team out of water.

    The kid is a gamer and he has more fire in his pinky finger than Dilfer and Freeman combined. There’s actually lots of things I like about the kid. I guess the same thing is being said about him by NFL scouts as well. Lot’s to like.

  29. HawaiianBuc Says:

    A QB not seeing a LB is very correctable. A QB that can’t make the throws necessary is not. A QB that is inaccurate is very tough to fix.

    If you are expecting Jameis to not throw interceptions, you are going to be disappointed. If ball security is your #1 thing, we should probably just stick with Glennon. I’d rather have a guy that can make incredible throws on a consistent basis over a guy that doesn’t take chances, and leads the league in 3 & outs. As much as I love Mariota, he’s closer to Glennon in the fact that he’s not going to take many chances. However, in a third and long situation, you might as well just run a draw play, because he’s not going to force a throw into a tight window.

  30. Robert 9 Says:

    If I had to pick one it would be Mariota. you can teach football, but not common sense.

    When hiring someone you want to know if they can do the job, are stable, have common sense and can be depended upon.

    60% of the hire is made on the intangibles, not the skill to do the job alone.

  31. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    HawaiianBuc …I’m hearing ya man. Brett Favre would throw 3 picks in a game and still win the game in the end.

    That’s just one example.

    @ArmchairGM….for the record I’m a Noles fan and I don’t hide it. I actually think I would still lean Winston anyways seeing how I think Mariota’s going to be a bust. Then again it’s just an opinion and no need to fight about it with anyone.

  32. Dr T Says:

    If Jameis Winston had Marcus Mariotta’s personality, he would be the consensus number one pick.
    We aren’t drafting as the Vatican City Pontiffs.

  33. bucrightoff Says:

    Hawaiian, college defense are, to be generous, 50% as complicated to read as an NFL defense. A LB dropping into coverage should be a basic read for any QB to make. He threw many picks on something, you would hope, he would learn from. Clearly he didn’t. And this was against what amounts to playing Jacksonville every week in the ACC. I wouldn’t dismiss it so quickly.

    This is why the Andrew Luck comparisons are total garbage. Luck was reading those in high school. I’m not saying Jameis is awful, just that he’s going to take some work like most rookies. The delusional acting like he’s instant savior is insane. He’s just another 50/50 QB (50% good starter, 50% bust).

    Besides, and I cannot mention this enough, who gives a flying eff what they do in college? For the guys considered current top 10 QBs, they have a combined zero Heismans and zero national titles. If anything those things are red flags, not good things.

  34. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    The notebook is tattered and faded, but the words are still clear. The pages are filled with carefully printed instructions written by — as the inscription at the top of the first page reads -Jameis Winston, Hueytown Middle School.

    Page 1 begins with a list of the characteristics a good quarterback should possess: leadership, dedication, desire, mental toughness, character, confidence. It concludes with a detailed schematic breakdown of how to properly attack a Cover 2 defense.

    Jameis Winston was 12 years old when he wrote it.

    In a cover 4, the outside linebackers are the key. The best routes are go route and eagle.

    In man coverage, the defense’s job is to put pressure on the offense. The best routes are trail, mesh, shallow, smash.

    In a cover 3, bend, don’t break. The best routes are curl-flat, smash, vertical.

  35. chris k Says:

    Doesn’t matter anymore. Adam Schefter just reported the Bucs are zeroing in on Mariota. Start the Mariota watch already. This story is over!

  36. Eric Hernandez Says:

    Winston plays alot of Hero ball. When he had Benjamin it covered up alot of things because he could get the ball no matter what. I’m not saying hero ball doesn’t win games. He does but you may end up with a few 3-4 int games. Coming back and winning against Louisville or ND is one thing but this is the NFL. You do that there and your losing.
    Now I’m sure people are going to talk about Eli manning or Favre and yeah I agree they win games. The true question is do you think Lovie is going to be ok with 3-4 int games? Only Lovie knows that.

  37. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @bucrightoff,

    Saying that Jameis can’t read a defense is insane. His offense is based upon him doing just that, and I’d say he’s done well. Mariota, on the other hand, rarely has to read defenses. His offense is almost exclusively timing routes. Very seldom is he forced to truly read a defense. I 100% agree that what he has done in college means nothing once he starts playing on Sundays. However, he has done just fine reading defenses up to now. That’s not his issues at all. Andrew Luck threw a ton of picks in college, and he still throws a ton in the pros. Would you not want him? The greats always make mistakes, usually a result of trusting their arm too much. Not saying Jameis will be great, but throwing some picks in college doesn’t mean he’s not going to be any good.

    He’s not an instant savior. He can, however, be the most important step in becoming a good team. Without a QB, it’s next to impossible. Our division is soft enough where he could at least lead us to playing meaningful games in December, which would be quite refreshing. I totally agree he could bust, but the same could be said for just about any player. Sometimes you have to not be so safe, and take a chance. What better time than with the #1 pick? And also, how else are we going to get a competent QB? Surely you don’t really believe that Glennon is going to be the QB of the future? Even if I’m dead wrong and he ends up being a Hall of Famer, it’s clear that he isn’t in our franchise’s plans.

  38. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @Eric Hernandez,

    That’s an excellent point about will Lovie be willing to deal with 3-4 INT games? I really don’t know. I will say this, he sure as hell didn’t seem to mind when McClown was doing it.

  39. rayjay1122 Says:

    It seems to me that some people are bigger Winston fans than they are Bucs fans. Has anyone truly considered that there is no QB worth the 1st pick?

  40. Robert 9 Says:

    of course they are chris k.

    It’s the best strategy. Chip Kelley represents the biggest trade partner and they would reap the most benefits. They will get offers to trade up for winston, but with his off the field stuff, it would be too much of a gamble to mortgage the farm to trade for him. With a backup plan, if they do pick Mariota, of starting Glennon and having him sit for a while. my .02

  41. Robert 9 Says:

    McClown was paid 5 million dollars to tank the season after things went south. Well before the final game.

    It’s the only rational explanation for lovies moves.

  42. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Winston knew how to read a defense in middle school.

  43. Skyline Crew Says:

    Winston has problems reading underneath coverages. He has things he needs to work on. Not saying he won’t just saying he does. If he is a Buc I hope these are the things that he immediately works on.

  44. Couch Fan Says:

    As far as a college QB goes, Winston is as good as any college QB coming out. He has everything you would want in a franchise QB except this character issue that will be looked into. Nobody comes into the NFL a finished product, nobody. You dont draft players thinking they are going to fix your team immediately. There’s always hope but you draft with the future in mind. I think Winston is head and shoulders above what we have now and could have a huge impact his 1st season. Mariota not so much. Williams and Gregory could also have an immediate impact.

  45. Robert 9 Says:

    @87

    middle school defenses are a lot different than the NFL. unless your talking madden.

    kind of a stretch statement on your part. you gotta hedge your bets brother…don’t put all your eggs in one basket lest she get busted.

  46. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    @HawaiianBuc

    Give me a good copywriter+ Mike Greenberg and the rest of the Personnel Dept.
    And I’ll give most of these front offices a run for their money..Lol

  47. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Couch…Williams would definitely have an impact.

  48. chris k Says:

    Why are guys still arguing? Adam Schefter is reporting the Bucs are zeroing in on Marcus Mariota, not Jameis Winston.

  49. JD Says:

    Just think about the past season in the NFL, it was full of controversy. Ray Rice, Adrian Petersen, Jonny Football, Deflate Gate… If you were a GM in today’s NFL, would you really want to run the risk of drafting any player with questionable character at any position at No. 1? You run the risk of making the national news, not just NFL headlines. Gannon’s logic can be applied to all players coming into the league. Unless a team has the leadership in place to keep a questionable character-guy in line, then they should stay away from him. I believe the Bucs don’t have that type of leadership within their organization like the Patriots or the Steelers that is capable of managing those type of players.

  50. Pickgrin Says:

    Robert 9 Says:
    January 29th, 2015 at 3:39 pm
    McClown was paid 5 million dollars to tank the season after things went south. Well before the final game.

    It’s the only rational explanation for lovies moves.
    —————————————————————

    For once – I completely agree with you Robert.

  51. Skyline Crew Says:

    @Chris K

    Other people are saying they would rather have Mariota over Winston, but nobody listens here. FSU homers won’t hear it. Joe won’t hear it. Don’t hold your breath to get a Mariota Watch.

  52. Pickgrin Says:

    Good post Couch.

  53. Johnny Dejay Says:

    Last year, Blake Bortles was considered the most “NFL Ready” prospect since Andrew Luck. Needless to say, he had a rough year and some people think he may have been ruined by playing too soon. Neither Winston nor Mariota are going to be stars in the 2015 season. Picking a rookie QB is a long term proposition.

  54. chris k Says:

    Ok Skyline crew, but since its now out there that the Bucs are zeroing in on Mariota and not Winston the debate is over is my point. We need to all band together and support the decision.

  55. Jeagan1999 Says:

    I agree with Rich Gannon to some extent. I think that EVERY QB coming to the NFL is a project at first. None of them are completely ready…at first…for the transition. But the ones who seem to make that transition the fastest and the best, are the ones that are intelligent, mature, hard working, and have few distractions…on or off the field.(see Johnny Football as the poster child for having distractions off the field). I’m sure Winston is reasonably intelligent and a hard worker, but I have real questions about his maturity and his “off the field” distraction level. Could he end up being a better WB than Mariotta…sure. But if you were getting ready to invest tens of millions of your own dollars into a team, would you be worried about his maturity and past behavior? Absolutely! Matiota might be the safer choice that pays bigger divideeds in the long run. A lot will be decided when these two visit Tampa and interview with the coaching staff!

  56. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    chris k…and just last week Shefter was saying they were zeroing in on Winston.

    Check back next week and get behind what he says next time.

  57. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Robert 9…I wasn’t talking about middle school defenses….

  58. ddneast Says:

    Well Gannon was lucky he got paired up with Chucky instead of Marcus Arroyo.
    Same could b said for McCown with Tresterman.
    I don’t know why you can’t understand why you, Joe, with all your football acumen, can’t recognize that all of the offensive ills on this team had a great deal to do with Arroyo’s inexperience and ineptitude.
    As for your boy Winston, I have to agree with Gannon.
    That is why it is so puzzling that you would rather have a ticking time bomb on your team like Winston rather than a proven NFL winning QB in Nick Foles plus three of four high draft picks.
    Maybe that is why the recent rumor mill has the Bucs leaning towards Mariotta after hearing the Eagles were trying to move up to the ten spot of the Rams to get him.
    It would be a worthless trade at the 10 spot if the Bucs were to get him at No. 1 so I doubt that trade would come off until draft day.

  59. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    From ESPN : The Legend of Jameis Winston

    By the fifth grade, Jameis was working with a trainer. Antonor knew Mark Freeman, a baseball and football coach in nearby Bessemer, through a friend. They struck up a relationship, and for the next few years, three or four days a week, Jameis would come to Bessemer to learn.

    The usual routine went like this: An hour on hitting. Another hour on pitching. A quick break for Winston to change his cleats before an hour on the football field practicing three-step drops, five-step drops, low routes. Then the pair retired to Freeman’s office for “chalk talk,” with Winston drawing up plays on the blackboard. They’d start in a base defense, then envision hypothetical scenarios: What if there were three safeties? What if a Cover 2 turns to quarters? How do you recognize a Cover 3? Winston had all the answers.

    “I knew Jaboo was going to be special,” Freeman said.

  60. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @johnny dejay,

    Not sure who in the hell you got your scouting report on Bortles, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, he was considered the least NFL ready guy coming out, with the possible exception of Manziel. Why do you think JAX announced almost immediately he wouldn’t start?

    Again people, I’ve got no problem with you not wanting Winston. But please just stop making stuff up, or I’m going to keep calling you on it. It’s revisionist history like this that just makes debating with people impossible.

    As for the Bucs “zeroing” in on Mariota, LMAO. In what artificial world does zeroing in mean he’s the guy they are going to draft? We haven’t even had the combine yet? They haven’t even been interviewed! No way in hell have they made their decision yet. Mariota is falling down draft boards like Manziel’s jersey sales, but it’s freaking January!!! Long way to go, and a lot more rumors to get people hot and bothered. The decision hasn’t been made yet, nor should it. It’s the season for smokescreens. If you don’t realize that, welcome to the NFL.

  61. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    This KID was bred to play QB at a very young age.

  62. Bill Says:

    When did the term “most NFL ready” translate to “elite NFL QB”?

    His throwing motion is not perfect, it needs work. His footwork is not perfect, it needs work. The thing to acknowledge is that these are issues which can be small or huge problems. On the whole, Jameis has things to work on and the amount of improvement needed is relatively smaller than most QB’s coming out of college….hence “most” NFL ready.

  63. Skyline Crew Says:

    If Bortles can be drafted #3 overall then Mariota and Winston should be drafted #1 and #2 respectively.

  64. chris k Says:

    Really 87forWinston? Where is that statement? If you need the accurate one It’s now the top story on Joe’s page. Of course it has Joe’s interpretation of it, Lol, but it’s there for you.

  65. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    chris k…the point is exactly what HawaiianBuc was trying to tell you.

    Things change like the wind. It’s 3 months before draft day.

  66. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Which is exactly what Schefter said as well.

    “So for now, Mariota shapes up as the most likely No. 1 pick. But there are still three months of combine work, pro days, interviews and investigations to go.- Adam Schefter

    So tell me again why we ALL need to get behind Mariota with the draft being 3 months away.

  67. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @Chris k,

    I want you to read the very last sentence of his statement: “But there are still three months of combine work, pro days, interviews and investigations to go”. Do you understand what exactly that means? It means the decision hasn’t been made yet. I’m pro-Winston, but even I don’t want their minds to be made up yet on anyone. This pick will make or break our franchise for years to come, and I want it to be the best one possible. But for you to sit here and be so naive to believe that his statement means the decision has been made is incredibly dumb. If it has been already made, then most likely we’ve made the wrong choice.

  68. Robert 9 Says:

    “nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.” coolidge

    if he’s not the whole package, including character, then he is not worth the number one pick.

    Hell Luck is really the best 1st pick in years, but even there it was a perfect situation of an otherwise talented team that had a horrible year. but he walked into a decent team-far from what the bucs have

  69. Skyline Crew Says:

    According to a long-time executive in personnel for another NFC team, with an impeccable track record of evaluating quarterbacks, Mariota is the best player in the draft and one of the best quarterbacks to come out of the college ranks in years.

    “He’s not as good as (Andrew) Luck,” the executive said of the Colts’ current quarterback. “Luck was the best I’ve scouted in years. But over the past five, six years, he’s the second best.”

  70. chris k Says:

    Well of course anything can happen between now and the draft. Injuries, thefts, arrest, etc.etc.etc. Anything can happen, but it’s time for everyone to admit who the front runner currently is.. Its ok, you can do it, we all already know anyway. .

  71. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Yeah Skyline just so long as he does not have throw for more than 3 yards a clip…

  72. Skyline Crew Says:

    You talking about Winston again 87?

  73. Couch Fan Says:

    if he’s not the whole package, including character, then he is not worth the number one pick.
    ———————————–

    Wrong. The worth of the #1 pick is not determined by you. It’s determined by the team who is making the pick. You have no idea who they are looking at. But I bet he is #1 on Bucs Board.

  74. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @chris k,

    Frontrunner, huh? That reminds me of a story. In high school, I ran track, basically to keep myself in shape for basketball. Anyway, my first race was the 800 meters. I had never run it before, but looking at the other guys, I figured I’d just get out ahead of them, then just coast the rest of the way. The gun fired, and I did just that. I was far ahead of them for the first 150 meters. Then the last 650 meters happened. I came in last place. I sh!t you not, last freaking place. I never ran another 800m race. True story. Do you now see how important being the frontrunner is in January?

  75. Eric Hernandez Says:

    Lovie is a safe coach, what it really depends on is what he considers “safe” The QB who WILL throw int’s and has had off the field issues but can can make NFL throws, and read an NFL defense to a point vs the QB who has no off field issues and will not play hero ball however has not shown the ability to make NFL throws nor has ready NFL type defense.

    Both come with risk but both maybe franchise QBs. It just depends on what Lovie’s definition of safe is.

  76. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @Eric Hernandez

    Excellent posts, 100% agree. You should post more.

  77. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Skyline…of course I’m talking about Oregon’s offense…with Mariota.

  78. Bill Says:

    I agree Eric. The one issue you may be overlooking is how much influence Lovie really has. I’m sure he has a little, but how much?

    Lovie may be gone next year, but I doubt Licht is on a 1 year leash, and onviously the Glazers aren’t either. They have futures to consider as well.

  79. Love and Warrick Dunn Says:

    Adam Schefter ✔ @AdamSchefter
    Follow

    Texans GM Rick Smith, whose team could lock up No. 1 pick today, spent Saturday night in Orlando watching QB Teddy Bridgewater.
    10:37 AM – 29 Dec 2013

  80. chris k Says:

    Man! Winston/FSU apologist are starting to get pissed off at Adam Schefter’s story. Suck it up guys. Us who knew already that you couldn’t put your franchise in a man with so many character concerns dealt with you and Joe and all this pro ready crap for months. It’s your turn now!

  81. Robert 9 Says:

    @ couch

    I bet winston is not even a consideration. He’ll get a courtesy interview to drum up a smoke screen.

    I have much more experience with how people hire and the decision making process than most on this board I would assume.

  82. Jack Says:

    Are we talking about the same guy? The one who came in 6th for the Heisman this year, and had 18-interceptions?

    Questions to be answered: How many players do the BUCS need to be a playoff team? Do the BUCS need Leonard Williams? Does Koetter like Glennon at QB? If the BUCS wanted to get a lot of picks for the number 1 Pick, would they would be whispering to everyone to hype the trade?

    We will find out the answers to all of these questions very soon.

  83. HawaiianBuc Says:

    @Chris k,

    I’m not the least bit upset. Seems like the only one crying is you. We’ll see what happens in April. Unlike many, I’ll support whoever we draft.

  84. Eric Hernandez Says:

    Thank you guys for the support. I love football and the Bucs. I want to see this team win. I want this team to be like Seattle. I do believe Lovie has a lot of say in who the Bucs will draft however I believe because of the importance of this pick the Glazers will have the finalsay. If Father DDungy’s words carry weight not only with Lovie but with the Glazers as well you will probably see Mariota taken first.

    I also believe the Glazers are tiring of hiring a new coach every few years. If they truly believe in Lovie they will give him more time then you think.

  85. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Visiting a nephew that is a huge Tennessee Vols fan…..I mean…huge…..he said he thinks Bajakian was hired specifically to coach Mariota….
    I realize that is about as meanignful as any other opinion….but I though I’d throw it on the pile.

  86. HawaiianBuc Says:

    Like I said, I actually hope the decision has not been made yet. It’s too important to make so soon. While I like Winston, I acknowledge there are far too many question marks (mostly off the field) to have him be the slam dunk pick in January. They need to do all the research they can. They should even ask him the “is your mom a prostitute” question. As for Mariota, he could slide way down the draft boards if he doesn’t look good in his underwear. Happens every year to somebody, and then there’s usually another guy that comes out of nowhere and shoots up the draft boards. We just don’t know, and we can speculate all we want now, but it’s just a guess. Hopefully the decision making time has just begun, and we take our time and get the right guy. I think we can all agree on that. What the hell am I talking about, there’s always going to be people that don’t care about the team, they just want to be right.

  87. Bucfan4life Says:

    Please stop all the trade back comments. Do some research and see how many first rounders outside of the top 10 become pro bowlers. Trading back to get multiple picks that have a low chance of success is just not smart. Figure out who will help this team win and take him with the first pick. We have 6 or 7 more picks to try and fill needs along with free agency. #1 overall picks can turn around a franchise for a decade. That extra third round offensive guard you pick up by trading back will not be the difference I the Bucs making a Super Bowl. A franchise QB could be just that.

  88. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @Hawaiian

    A voice of reason…..must be the distance from Tampa….or….Talahassee….or even Eugene…

  89. lurker Says:

    funny thing…
    this:
    “Besides, and I cannot mention this enough, who gives a flying eff what they do in college?”

    after this:
    “Hawaiian, college defense are, to be generous, 50% as complicated to read as an NFL defense. A LB dropping into coverage should be a basic read for any QB to make.”

    love it when someone counter their own argument, especially in the same post.

  90. Couch Fan Says:

    I have much more experience with how people hire and the decision making process than most on this board I would assume.
    ——————————————-

    I know you do. I knew you were special by how you can look into a mans eyes and tell everything about them.

  91. 87ForJameisNoMariota Says:

    Jameis ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

  92. mikeh Says:

    ya jameis ahhhhhh you guys should get a room!

  93. mikeh Says:

    from his picture up top looks like he needs glasses maybe that’s why he throws so many INTS! what a pinhead.

  94. gt40bear Says:

    Unfortunately, it is SO typical Bucs that on a year when they have the first pick, there is no Manning type can’t miss QB there for them to jump on. They need a QB badly and that will make them reach for one of the two flawed choices. Since it is SUCH a weak QB draft, they can’t even entertain the thought of trading down and picking a quality future starter later. No, they are stuck HAVING to choose either a big on-field risk or bigger off-fiield risk. As I said…SO typical Bucs. Keeping fingers, toes, arms, eyes and any other body part I can crossed that they get lucky, Lord knows they are due.

  95. JoeBucsFan.com » Blog Archive » Dirk Koetter And “Inferior Players” - Tampa Bay Bucs Blog, Bucccaneers News Says:

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