Jameis Winston
Florida State, QB
Height: 6.4
Weight: 235
Age: 21
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Arm: B-
Has a strong enough arm to make throws in the NFL. Velocity and spin on the ball is just slightly above average. Passes will also come out fluttery at times. However, is capable of mustering up greater velocity on his throws and firing lasers. Biggest issue in this department is his release. While he throws with a high over-the-shoulder delivery, his throwing motion is elongated and jerky.
Accuracy: C+
Overall accuracy is above average, but ball placement can be issue at different levels of the field. Appears to put the ball on the money when throwing to deep receivers, but the ball tends to nose-dive on short passes. More often than not shows good touch making downfield throws, and rarely misses. Does a lot of bouncing in the pocket which affects his rhythm, and arm and feet are not always in sync. Will throw flat footed, and fall off his throws. Footwork needs to be cleaned up.
Athleticism: B+
Is athletic both inside and outside of the pocket. Possesses elite agility moving around in the pocket and shows good balance to make throws on the run. Straight-line speed is only above average, but is a fluid and savvy open field runner. Knows when to take off and run with the ball and when to hang in to make a throw. Excels at throwing outside the pocket.
Mental: B-
Decision-making is inconsistent, ranging from very good to poor, appearing to regress during the 2014 season. Can locate the open receiver, hit his check down, and throw receivers open when he is on. When he is off, he will throw into double or triple coverage and turn the ball over. Most of his mistakes come with quick throws, and actually shows the ability to go through progressions and make reads. Scans the field like few in college football do, but decision-making is lagging, as he is only a sophomore. Showed outstanding instincts and football IQ to be able to win a National Championship as a freshman.
Intangibles: C-
Off-field character is a serious concern. Pattern of bad decisions is troubling and does not seem to get it even after his suspension against Clemson, where he acted as if his suspension and his actions earlier in the week were unrelated. Appears to have a sense of entitlement and has a way of framing himself as a hero. Has a winning instinct and has had excellent success on the field. Is very tough, having taken a lot of hits as a runner and in the pocket, given his slow release. Commitment to football could be questioned given his ability on the baseball diamond, but is rather insignificant.
Red Flags: Major Character Concerns
Bottom Line: The tragedy of Jameis Winston is that he has the mental makeup on the field to become an elite NFL quarterback, but has the off-field mental makeup of a washout. If we’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s that NFL players need to have excellent football character, as well as decent personal conduct, something Winston is lacking. He has time to grow up, but there are many 21-year-old quarterback prospects who are more mature than he is, and age is really no excuse. Has the talent and upside to be great.
Comparison: Ryan Leaf
Grade: 8.8 (2nd Round)
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