Derrick Brooks: Bucs Need A “Character Development Plan”
January 23rd, 2015
Are the Bucs ready to handle a high-maintenance draft pick?
That’s a damn good question.
One could argue every team drafting a rookie quarterback needs a plan to help the kid adapt to immense media pressure and commitments, to grown men looking to him for leadership, and much more. Of course, that pressure is heightened when the rookie is a QB and a No. 1 overall pick who has made stupid decisions in college.
Enter Jameis Winston. Bucs icon and Florida State legend Derrick Brooks is a big fan of Winston but he recognizes that the young man will require extra care.
“Not only the Bucs, but any team that’s looking to draft Jameis [needs] to have, you know, a character development plan. What’s that going to look like?” Brooks said on Tampa-2 on WDAE-AM 620 this week.
Brooks said he wished the Bucs had more veteran leadership and but said he’s ready to help, if called upon to support Winston.
“Whatever plan that is [for the Bucs], I’m anxious to see it,” Brooks said “If they ask me to be a part of it, I extend myself as much as I possibly can to do it due to those relationships. But it’s also going to be critical [to see] what plan Jameis and his team have to present during these interviews as to how he plans to develop better as a young man.”
Joe can already hear fans reading this and saying, “Crap. If Winston needs a character development plan, then the Bucs better not draft him.”
It’s a fair point. But the counterpoint is that Winston’s character isn’t that bad and only needs improvement, and the Bucs are in the business of winning football games not winning Boy Scout badges.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:03 am
its amazing that more teams do not have that in place anyways. Especially when a team goes young or rebuilds.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:04 am
Jameis Winston is coming to Tampa!
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:07 am
You can’t just change somebody’s character, they are who they are. That’s why after much rehabilitation the prison systems are full of repeat offenders.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:12 am
Yea that’s what I want a 21 year old qb that needs a babysitter to tell him. “Now jameis don’t do that.” 24/7. Just draft mariota at least we know we won’t need a babysitter on the payroll to keep him from doing dumb crap all the time. His own father said he needs to be babysat!! What do u people not get??
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:13 am
Brooks is a class act. If he can’t mentor Winston then I don’t know who can. Winston does not have to be a boy scout. He just has to avoid NFL and or team punishment. My biggest concern with Winston other than mechanics, is having melt downs mentally during adversity in games. He seems to get rattled easily. Other than character, keeping his composure is one area where I believe Mariota is more stable.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:15 am
@ Joe
Last off-season all you did was beg every day for the Bucs to draft Manziel just like you do Winston now.
So it looks like Cleveland is not thrilled with their entire QB situation and any QB on their roster can be had.
So Joe, what would you rather the Bucs do – draft Winston with the #1 pick or work a deal with Cleveland for your boy Johnny Football and use the #1 pick to fill another need? Inquiring minds want to know Joe
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:22 am
People change everyday. To the people that can’t get the thought past them that Jameis cannot grow as a person, I’m sorry that you have not made the steps in changing your life for better. I’m sorry that you are too lazy to change. I’m sorry that you have screwed up in your life and that you didn’t have the strength to fight back and make your life better. Maybe you didn’t have the support system or maybe you just didn’t have the fight inside of you. I guarantee that the posters trashing this kid have secrets that would trump stealing crablegs, having a bb gun war, putting soda in a ketchup holder, or being defamed for a crime that he didn’t commit. Please take this moment to reflect on how you’re acting.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:22 am
“Melt down with adversity”? I keep hearing this and I have no idea what these people are talking about. How many games were the Seminoles significantly behind at half time and they came back led by this young man who kept a level head and made plays to win the game? Thats the opposite of melting down with adversity. Now if you’re referring to how will he handle losing a game, then we only have 1 game to look at but even then I think “melted down” is far from an actual description of his attitude afterwards. Yes he needs good leadership but everyone does. Yes he has made some stupid mistakes in his early 20’s but most do. Luckily most of our stupid decisions from that time of our lives aren’t made public.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:26 am
From what I understand, Dez Bryant is on some kind of ‘character plan’ with Dallas and it seems to be working out just fine for both the team and the player.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; just draft one of the QBs. Winston or Mariota, whoever looks the best to the Bucs staff the team needs to go out and get. Sure, a guy like Leonard Williams is likely to have more impact during year one, but long term, one of these QBs could help to lead this franchise back to a level of respectability and relevance.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:26 am
Yep, that talented franchise saving QB Ryan Leaf really changed his character didnt he?
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:29 am
Well, Joe, still waiting for your answer ^^^
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:32 am
Leaders are supposed to lead. Not be babysat.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:35 am
^^^ Don’t bring a Ryan Leaf to a gun fight.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:38 am
If Winston can’t be told and shown what to do, then we can’t take him. If he needs 24/7 supervision he is not a leader and never will be one, so either he can man up and be one or let him go.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:39 am
Ryan Leaf WAS/IS a drug addict ! that is a whole different ball game. Drugs can your life and will hurt your performance on field for sure. Now, you tell me. Wtf does a drug addict have to do with Winston?
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:41 am
New NFL position establised in 2015…..”Director of Player Character Development”…..wow, wonder why this doesn’t already exist…..maybe it will be mandated by the NFL…..I’m sure the Player’s Union will support it.
Joe, you can officially change your daily “Jameis” article to “Watching out for Winston”
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:41 am
Didn’t 55 already make trips to Tally, and it didn’t make a difference? What happens if that plan doesn’t work and he doesn’t grow up? Another wasted draft pick instead of starting to rebuild a team ?
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:42 am
Give me a break… He just turned 21 he’s a kid. Everyone comes out of College still a kid. He will learn and is smart enough to know that he’s in the real world now. He hasn’t failed drug tests. where was the outcry when they drafted Derrick Brooks for stealing shoes. Like crab legs are so much different in the same circumstance. Mariotta will be a bust.. And you want him to go #1. Mariotta is a big reach at #1 and you all know that. Talent wise JW is not. Drafting him to win games. Not date your daughters or steal your girlfriends.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:44 am
@knuckbuck whovthe hell cares if there is a babysitter on payroll? Youre not paying the bill. You guys want to give this KID so much crap. You are a product of your environment. I would imagine the pros would be a little more professional than a bunch of college kids. Let me ask you something, do you still hang out with yoyr high school or college associates you use to know
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:45 am
It’s not character, it’s maturity.
There are tons of knuckleheaded things that I did in college that I would never begin to do as I grew a little older.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:48 am
If we take Winston then he won’t be the leader of our team for a few years. With the talk about trading down I can actually see the Browns trying to trade up for a QB since they don’t have one. Eagles trade up won’t happen. Browns or Jets is the most likely scenario for a trade down with us.
Once Mariota gets in here though he won’t need a character development plan. Just give him the playbook and let’s get going.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:50 am
Jameis is a good ole Alabama folk, a little redneck but means no harm. That is who he is. There is nothing wrong with that. Just accept it and realize he is a great quarterback
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:51 am
Mr. Patrick Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:15 am
@ Joe
Last off-season all you did was beg every day for the Bucs to draft Manziel just like you do Winston now.
So it looks like Cleveland is not thrilled with their entire QB situation and any QB on their roster can be had.
So Joe, what would you rather the Bucs do – draft Winston with the #1 pick or work a deal with Cleveland for your boy Johnny Football and use the #1 pick to fill another need? Inquiring minds want to know Joe
I’m sure if it was Joe’s money he was spending he would be more sensible.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:51 am
Character development plan for a guy you’ve invested millions in?
Why not just draft a guy with character in the first place Mr. Brooks?
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:53 am
If he’s great on the field and does well with a mentor off of it, then that means he would be worth the #1 pick and it would be a smart move. There is nothing wrong with investing in support for the young man if you feel he’s a franchise QB. Like someones else said all the teams should do something like this. Go head and spin it haters.
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:56 am
@ Couch Fan
I agree……”IF”?
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:59 am
OK Jameis lovers. IF we MUST take a QB I’m on board with your guy. Although I still like more draft choices. There is a 50-50 chance statistically on every pick taken in the 1st and second round. Four choices obviously give you a better chance for success than two. Putting that aside and assuming we do take Jameis.
I would really love to know about his father. I think Cam Newton improved once his father lost some influence. Sadly sometimes it’s the father who is the son’s worst enemy filling him full of manure about how “special” he is.
Make no mistake. FSU already had a “character improvement” plan in place. They had babysitters. Jameis is a million dollar talent in TWO sports. People have been there for him for at least two years if not more.
And so all I am saying is the Bucs better investigate FSU’s plan because it clearly didn’t work. Perhaps they can learn from the Nole’s mistakes. And again I can’t help but wonder how much his interfering father is to blame?
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:59 am
“It’s a fair point. But the counterpoint is that Winston’s character isn’t that bad and only needs improvement, and the Bucs are in the business of winning football games not winning Boy Scout badges.”
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When dropping a first overall pick on the “face of the franchise” type player Joe character and maturity matter greatly.
Let Winston give his canned answers at the combine and pro day interviews and hope the Bucs don’t fall for it. Based on the Bucs long, long history with QB failures, I’m hoping Lovie at least gets this one right.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Brilliant idea, let’s draft a guy who needs a “character development plan” when there is a blue-chip QB prospect right there for the taking that has no such character issues…
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:06 pm
No such character issues but many more (much more than Jameis) on field question marks. As you said “Brilliant Idea!”
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Knucknbuc we may not need a babysitter for mariota but you are telling me you are willing to waste 20million of this teams money on the number 2 draft pick and have him sit because he isn’t ready for an nfl caliber offense? Or pay 20 mil for someone who can start day one and win games while getting mentored by one of the greatest buccaneers that has ever lived. Please tell me that you were a complete saint in college. I highly doubt it! You guys give this man a lot of Sh!t remember he has had more fame then any of us have had at his age and to be honest I don’t even think I could have done any better if the roles were reversed. Pick up Jameis first round, then focus on protection and a WR. In free agency pick up SUH, JPP, Houston, and cromartie and instantly transform this team to the most feared in the nfl.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:13 pm
hold up. Jameis has shown he can make any throw you ask. He is already pro ready but, his potential is scary good! we are talking about the #1 5 star recruit here.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:20 pm
There should be a plan in place for any number 1 overall pick of any team because even though quarterback is the most high profile you cant tell me if an offensive tackle goes number 1 overall he wont get killed in the media for immaturity or being as talented as his draft position. marcus mariotta or Winston should have a plan in place on how to groom a franchise qb, it obviously wasn’t done for josh freeman and hey if you’ve never groomed a franchise qb in the history of your existence you might want to go above and beyond to make sure this pick is successful because they are both talented enough to be franchise qb’s
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Id be less worried about the picks hes thrown, they are mental mistakes that can be fixed.
and more excited that this is a guy who could actually pick apart an opposing defense.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:23 pm
“No such character issues but many more (much more than Jameis) on field question marks. As you said “Brilliant Idea!””
In your opinion.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:25 pm
The Bucs, like most teams have/had a Director of Player Development. It only works when a total team emphasis is placed on player growth and development and of course the Director must set the proper example. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have parted ways with director of player development Isaiah Harris following his DUI arrest.
The Bucs need to replace that guy and in the case of an investment like Jameis Winston, both financially and from a public relations perspective, a special emphasis or plan is needed to insure a proper ROI is achieved. Any wise investor would do the same. But humans are fallible – whether it is an owner like Jim Irsay, a player like Josh Freeman, or a coach like Bobby Petrino, people can falter and consequences are sometimes unavoidable! You can’t insure against all risks.
Where you can mitigate or even prevent such occurrences, by all means do whatever it takes. Director of Player Development and a respected personal mentor should all be in play where the anticipated return outweighs the required investment.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Jonathan Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Knucknbuc we may not need a babysitter for mariota but you are telling me you are willing to waste 20million of this teams money on the number 2 draft pick and have him sit because he isn’t ready for an nfl caliber offense?
***************
How do you know he isn’t ready? Because some guy from BSPN said he wasn’t?
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:28 pm
Well of course its my opinoin, everything comment here is just an opinion. But just about everybody who studies this game for a living is of the same opinion. just sayin…
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:29 pm
Rob Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:23 pm
“No such character issues but many more (much more than Jameis) on field question marks. As you said “Brilliant Idea!””
“In your opinion.”
No Rob…that’s the opinion of most scouts as well.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:33 pm
I’ve really only found about 2 “experts” that say Mariota can play year one.
Most if not all “experts” are saying Jameis is ready to play day one. Not just on ESPN either.
You people don’t need to ESPN…search the net.
I know it pisses you off that Jameis is the better out of the 2 prospects according just about everyone, but it’s something your going to have to deal with on draft day and beyond.
Jameis Winston is coming to Tampa!
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:35 pm
knucknbuc Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:12 am
Yea that’s what I want a 21 year old qb that needs a babysitter to tell him. “Now jameis don’t do that.” 24/7. Just draft mariota at least we know we won’t need a babysitter on the payroll to keep him from doing dumb crap all the time. His own father said he needs to be babysat!! What do u people not get??
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If you cant handle a 21 year old kid’s off field issues as a franchise you just need to sell it and get out of the nfl. Please someone tell me who thought it was great and noble that josh freeman wasn’t getting in trouble off the field in his first two years while we had a horrible winning percentage? yea he did dumb things I college but everyone gets a fresh start in the nfl. he isn’t the big man on campus anymore, he’s the new kid in the locker room full of men so what is he going to control? rookies fall in line except injured bench warmers named johnny football
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Bucs are in the business of winning games?! Hahaha!
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:42 pm
@bucs4lyfe
Sure rookies usually do well their first year. That is because they are new and don’t know to much. It is after their first year when they start getting in trouble.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:48 pm
No risk! No reward!
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:42 pm
@bucs4lyfe
Sure rookies usually do well their first year. That is because they are new and don’t know to much. It is after their first year when they start getting in trouble.
WOW YOU AGAIN you really are a blog stalker man. the new league year isn’t here yet and your already predicting what Winston would do in year 2? maybe if he was johnny footballs color you would be alittle more opened minded, I wont even call you a hater because you just sound straight up racist simply because you want to deny what this kid did in college oh except the off the field issues, you wanna deny what the guys what game tape for a living have to say about him…..there’s a big difference between a hater and a racist, there are a lot of haters here but that’s not you
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:51 pm
This isn’t about boy scout badges. It’s about leadership. Can you really trust a 21 year old kid with questionable judgement and behavior to be the leader of your team? The answer is clearly no.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Drafting a player with character concerns is one thing. Using the first overall pick on a player with character concerns is quite another.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Ryan Leaf + Byron Leftwich = Jameis Winston
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Winston flipping out in his only college loss at his coach no less is all I need to know about him.
In the words of of Fisher: “Calm the f**k down or I’ll bench you”
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:54 pm
As if it’s the only problem Winston will have coming to the NFL. Leaving aside his pasionate discussions with the HC, sure he comes back late to overcome his numerous mistakes but barring multiple game-winning defensive stops and field goals the team wouldn’t have won 29 straight games. If the top two teams in the draft had QB’s would he really be at the top of so many draft boards? Drafting for need causes teams to minimize the flashing warning signs players like Winston have and rarely works out.
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:54 pm
If you have to hire people to watch the kid 24 hours a day, is it really worth it?
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:03 pm
This “character development plan” seemed to work ok for the Cowboys and Dez Bryant, right? He even had babysitters. I’d take that dude on our team in a heartbeat.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:11 pm
if your asking a 21 year old rookie kid to come in and be the leader of your franchise, the leader of your team, the leader of grown men with families, the guy to come in and win games for you then you’ll never be a winning franchise anyway so who cares, i’d go find another team to root for. if said player comes in and puts the team on his back and becomes that leader with his play then that’s another story but no one asks that of a rookie qb and it was never asked of tom brady in his first start people damn….overreact much? Winston or mariotta aren’t gonna come here and be the best player on the field, all they can do is enhance game play….neither one of these guys are gonna come here and be a superstar on day one so please with the immaturity stuff because despite the talk it’s actually common….kobe and Jordan had off field issues late in their careers when they were superstars so whats the difference. he’s either the guy or not the guy but stop with the off field issue stuff
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Leonard Williams + GMC = Championships
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:18 pm
Mr Patrick,
Not only do I disagree w your take on Winston, but your logic behind why persons systems remain full tells me everything I need to know. What you and others define as “rehabilitation” is really anything but. It’s a half assed attempt at fixing someone. A one method fits all approach is lazy and irresponsible if you really do care about rehabilitating a person.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:19 pm
Jamarcus Russell 2.0 has a lot of talent, but he will never grow up. We don’t need him on our team, we can’t afford to take a chance on this pick. To much is at stake to rest our heads at night wondering if Jameis is gonna get “Accused” of something. After Freeman and the MRSA, we can’t risk it.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:20 pm
Cascade, Dez Bryant seems to be one example of it working well.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:22 pm
What about when Winston gets married to his girlfriend, has a kid and has to support his family? Evans just did. Its called growing up. The guy has trained his whole life for this job… If anything he knows the harsh reality of the media now
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Here is a study of past drafts that show that players that have been previously arrested, but not convicted, of a crime actually outperform players with clean records.
Jameis hasn’t even ever been arrested much less convicted.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/story/2012-04-20/NFL-draft-criminal-study/54433122/1
So the whole premise is faulty.
A few college pranks hardly proves Jameis lacks character. When the bucs do their research and get the full picture of him they will come to admire and appreciate him as his teammates, coaches, friends and family do.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:24 pm
Crazy,
Drafting for need in baseball is typically a poor strategy. Factoring need into your draft decision in football is an acceptable practice though. Totally different sport. Individual players can make a bigger difference depending on position, contracts are different, etc.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:26 pm
bucs4lyfe Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:51 pm
Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:42 pm
@bucs4lyfe
Sure rookies usually do well their first year. That is because they are new and don’t know to much. It is after their first year when they start getting in trouble.
WOW YOU AGAIN you really are a blog stalker man. the new league year isn’t here yet and your already predicting what Winston would do in year 2? maybe if he was johnny footballs color you would be alittle more opened minded, I wont even call you a hater because you just sound straight up racist simply because you want to deny what this kid did in college oh except the off the field issues, you wanna deny what the guys what game tape for a living have to say about him…..there’s a big difference between a hater and a racist, there are a lot of haters here but that’s not you
**************
I forgot you post things and expect nobody to respond to you. I never said anything about Winston being in trouble in year 2. He may be in year 10 before he does something stupid again. I don’t know I’m not a fortune teller. I didn’t want Johnny Football here because of his partying and arrest record. The kid was a spoiled brat and a majority of us knew it. But of course I would leave it to you to bring race in to it. That is what you do; that is who you are.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Skyline,
I think the sophomore slump applies much more to the running/read option QB. They get away w mad skill, but then defenses scheme for them, and they need to adjust. Not saying it wouldn’t apply to a pocket passer. I’m just thinking of recent sophomore seasons and who slumped and who didn’t. The obvi ones are rg3, cam, and kaepernick. I think cam will be fine personally. Not sure about the others two. Even arguably the best QB in football, luck, didn’t become elite until yr 3.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:36 pm
1st Rd Jameis Winston (FSU) QB
2nd Rd Cameron Erving (FSU) LT
3rd Rd Josue Matias (FSU) OG or John Miller (Louisville) OG
4th Rd Ramik Wilson (Georgia) MLB
5th Rd Lyden Trail (Norfolk State) DE
5th Rd Eric Rowe (Utah) CB
6th Rd Anthony Jefferson (UCLA) SS
7th Rd David Andrews (Georgia) C or Jake Smith (Louisville) C
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:38 pm
A lot of anti-racist talk recently. I don’t think skyline is racist, and i don’t think a majority of the Winston doubters are racist… But odds tell us, in combo with some of the comments, that there are definitely some folks commenting here that have race playing a factor in their opinion. Its just the truth.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:38 pm
And trust me Dez Bryant is much more of a ticking time bomb! Amazing talent and even more amazing the Cowboys have kept him in line. Read a little about Jameis. He is nothing like a Bryant or Brandon Marshall. His antics have truly been dumb college type stuff that kids tend to do. In the locker room everyone says he is the unquestioned leader. He does not have a posse (as some posters have called them) his circle of friends are his teammates. If you take that one accusation out of the equation there are no REAL issues with him. I know many of you have convicted him of rape in your mind, but there is a good chance this didn’t happen. Read the report and all of the holes in the story. This was not some massive coverup by the police, there was not enough evidence to even take it to trial.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:38 pm
72impala,
Not all that bad.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:44 pm
“He is one of the finest young men I’ve ever met,” Florida State baseball coach Mike Martin on quarterback Jameis Winston.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:44 pm
Matt Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Skyline,
I think the sophomore slump applies much more to the running/read option QB. They get away w mad skill, but then defenses scheme for them, and they need to adjust. Not saying it wouldn’t apply to a pocket passer. I’m just thinking of recent sophomore seasons and who slumped and who didn’t. The obvi ones are rg3, cam, and kaepernick. I think cam will be fine personally. Not sure about the others two. Even arguably the best QB in football, luck, didn’t become elite until yr 3.
****************
I was referencing getting in trouble. We have seen many rookies stay out of trouble their rookie year, but come years 2-8 or whatever they may get in to trouble one of those years. Mike Williams is a perfect example of that. He stayed clean for a few years before he go in trouble.
Also, I wouldn’t say Luck is the best QB in football either.
I do agree that QBs/RBs are the ones that tend to have a sophomore slump in the NFL. However, for Kaepernick (who was also a two sport star in football and baseball) he sat a majority of his 1st year. Made the superbowl his 2nd year and went to the NFC championship his 3rd year. Not sure I would say he had a slump. This season the team imploded on itself. Will wait to see what he does next year. RG3 did have a slump and he was also injured in the process. That was due to them changing the scheme and forcing him to be a pocket passer, which he was never capable of doing in college. Cam will do fine in the NFL. I don’t think he will be as elite as Brady or as good as Wilson, but he will be serviceable in the NFL.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:42 pm
@bucs4lyfe
Sure rookies usually do well their first year. That is because they are new and don’t know to much. It is after their first year when they start getting in trouble.
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the nobody is saying this one guy will never change and comparing him to the worst players in nfl history but he’s not in the nfl yet. legarette blount stock crashed after punching a guy in the face and this guy has been nothing but trouble but because he’s with a franchise that wont stand for it people here in tampa wonder why he’s gone….people will get away with what you allow them too but talking as if you know without a doubt what will happen with this kids career makes you look petty. if he does something stupid in year 1 year 2 or year 10 so what….no one is bringing up the trouble that mike evans got into at the nightclub because he’s a star to us. like beautiful chicks in the world you overlook things, when your a good player in this league things get overlooked. if he sucks he’ll be killed, if he’s good people will overlook his off field issues, I think they will be overlooked because of his talent
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Derrick Brooks also said there is absolutely no way he would allow Winston in his home.
That says a lot.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:49 pm
[…] Per JoeBucsFan.com: […]
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Saying either of these guys is close to Andrew Luck is a joke. All hype. Neither is. Yet, we’ve heard it on the radio almost daily about Winston.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:50 pm
Matt Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:38 pm
A lot of anti-racist talk recently. I don’t think skyline is racist, and i don’t think a majority of the Winston doubters are racist… But odds tell us, in combo with some of the comments, that there are definitely some folks commenting here that have race playing a factor in their opinion. Its just the truth.
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People that don’t have an argument tend to throw the race card around because he is black. I guess I could do the same for people who don’t like Mariota. Could call them racist for not liking him, but I don’t because that is petty crap that immature people do.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:52 pm
1st rnd: Winston
2nd rnd: Kondijio trade back in 2nd and get Perryman
4th rnd: OL
FA pickups: stephen wesenawski and Greg Hardy( if he’s allowed to play)
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Skyline,
Agree to disagree on luck. I think Rodgers is the only QB u could say is better wout me vehemently arguing.
My other point would be that even when NFL players mess up, it really doesn’t seem to bring them down. What brings a guy like mike Williams down is the fact he just isn’t talented enough to stay relevant. We all remember talibs issues, blounts shot out in a parking garage, etc etc. but they are still in the league and playing at a high level. If you don’t want to watch thugs and bad people (and I bekieve Winston is neither) play football, then maybe you shouldn’t be a football fan.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Bucs4lyfe,
Exactly. If Winston performs, his off field transgressions will be forgotten mostly. And I am one of many who think he will indeed perform in a hi level.
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:58 pm
Matt,
You’re telling me right now that you think Luck is better than Brady and Manning? Or would you argue that Brady is a product of his system?
January 23rd, 2015 at 1:59 pm
@Arealbucsfan
Agreed on Perryman
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Banzai,
Can u post a link the d brooks comment? I’d like to see it. Also, did someone say these guys are as good as luck? I don’t think either will be as good as luck ever. But I think Winston is talented enough to take a team to the playoffs. Obvi that’s a projection, not certainty, but that’s all we have.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Brooks said he would never let Winston into his house?
I find that hard to believe.
Especially since he said he would like to help with the “maturity plan” and has met Winston on several occasions.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:38 pm
The logic on this blog is just pathetic from some posters. Here is a prime example. Every NFL person, including the ones who support Jameis are concerned about his “issues”. This is not just a blog topic. The entire freaking NFL is concerned. Some have said he’s worth the risk other’s have said he’s not.
Derrick Brooks is obviously concerned or he wouldn’t have made these statements.
And so I guess a poster is talking about Derrick as well as us when he wrote this…
To the people that can’t get the thought past them that Jameis cannot grow as a person, I’m sorry that you have not made the steps in changing your life for better. I’m sorry that you are too lazy to change. I’m sorry that you have screwed up in your life and that you didn’t have the strength to fight back and make your life better.
Jeebus!!! Stop being so freaking emotional you wussies!!! It’s just business.
It’s a simply risk reward calculations. I hope Jameis has a swell life. He may be a great kid. But only a moron would not consider the character issues before tossing MILLIONS..the #1 draft pick and the future face of the franchise.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:41 pm
If they draft Mariota they won’t need a babysitter but the team would still need a QB.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Skyline,
I think Peyton in his prime might be the greatest QB to ever play the game. That’s how much respect I have for him. But he is over the hill. Luck is almost as football intelligent as manning, and is a better athlete than manning ever was. Brady is obviously very good. I think luck could step in for Brady and be just as effective if not more. You could say luck and Brady are 2a and 2b I guess. Some of the throws luck makes while the pocket is collapsing are just insane. He has great durability. And his running ability is very underrated.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:48 pm
So much arguing. Maybe the Bucs will say they both suck and are too risky and then pick up Hoyer and draft Oline(s), DE, Safety and MLB. Ya’ never know!
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:51 pm
brooks said he would absolutely be a mentor to Winston BUT HE’S NOT MOVING HIM INTO HIS HOUSE….meaning his out camp has to bring some idea’s to the table because in the end Winston affects his own money as well as the people around him if he screws up including his agent so it’s in everyone’s best interest around him that he is on the straight and narrow…..don’t really mean to call anyone a racist but it’s just as ignorant to throw around opinion as if it’s fact when everything about your own life is based on your opinions. these kids may be a bust or they may be stars but truth be told if you wanna be honest with yourself this is on the glazers if either one of these guys fail because they have the tools to succeed
reason I say that? wonder why matt Flynn and ryan mallet were sought after or got pay days they got and it’s now clear it was because of the franchises they came from and the systems of those teams….tampa has to be better at developing whats on their roster
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Waterboy, lol well said
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:52 pm
Buctebow, I like to think of it as debate, not arguing.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Bucs4lyfe, agreed about bucs not developing their players and glazers being held accountable. I believe everything went down hill when the bucs got rid of rich McKay.
January 23rd, 2015 at 2:56 pm
Leopards change there spots all the time…..
January 23rd, 2015 at 3:04 pm
I’m getting very tired of so many posters on here blaming all of Winston’s issues on immaturity. Through my sons, I know a lot of young men in their early 20’s that are responsible, mature young men with jobs, families and a clean record. To say that Winstons issues are from immaturity would imply that all young men his age are immature and do all of the same things he does. Winston’s issues are from character flaws and questionable morals. Maybe that will change as he gets older and maybe it won’t. But he is who he is and there’s nothing that Derrick Brooks or anybody else can do about it. And that is NOT the kind of person that you make the face of your franchise or risk and gamble the #1 pick on
January 23rd, 2015 at 3:17 pm
Who drafts a guy 1 overall and has to have have a babysitter? Sounds flat out dumb to me. He has no morals everything he has got in trouble doing is a selfish act. Just got over freeman and this kid looks way dumber. who steals crab legs, soda and shoots windows out?
January 23rd, 2015 at 3:25 pm
From Mr Patrick:
“To say that Winstons issues are from immaturity would imply that all young men his age are immature and do all of the same things he does.”
This is an unequivocally illogical statement. In addition, people who are immature can mature. 6 year olds don’t act like 6 yr olds their entire lives. I think the same can be said for 20 yr olds. If you’re immature and you’re 35… Then you’re about as developed as you’re going to get. Even then, people learn. Immature and bad person are two different things.
January 23rd, 2015 at 3:31 pm
STOP worrying(whining) about what he might do off the field. Put it out of your minds.
It’s getting absolutely RIDICULOUS!
Oh he’s going to wind up in jail…oh he can’t be the face of the franchise.
Ridiculous.
January 23rd, 2015 at 3:36 pm
Who cares about day one? Who’s ceiling is higher. Who’s the most likely to still be the Bucs QB 10 years from now?
Hint – it’s not Winston.
January 23rd, 2015 at 3:58 pm
@ Matt
Thank you for making my point for me. Being immature and being a bad person are two different things
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Its pretty amazing that so many of you claim to dislike Jameis Winston’s character. Do some research for God’s sake. Stop spouting uneducated and judgmental, negative opinions about someone you don’t know and haven’t spent any time researching.
Everything that I have ever seen said by someone who knows Jameis and has spent time with his is positive. He is smart, outgoing, likable, a bit of a clown who likes to make jokes and have fun.
His coaches and teammates rave about his leadership qualities. Anyone who is against drafting Winston has not done their research!
The Bucs WILL do their research and as a result WILL be drafting Jameis Winston #1 overall. Better start getting used to the idea now haters.
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:17 pm
The Bucs have blown some draft picks in the past, most teams have. This is a vitally important pick. Then again, if the Bucs pick craps out, that would be right up there with what I’ve come to expect from this bumbling Bucs franchise. Most often mired in the cellar, Bucs fans are long suffering.
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:18 pm
Mariota at #1. Get used to the idea now haters.
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:41 pm
Whine!
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:41 pm
@mr Patrick,
Well then you must think Winston is both of those things. I think most people who can view things objectively and do their research would not call him a bad person. All that matters is what the bucs think, and I would bet they come to the same conclusion. Immature but not a morally corrupt individual. And don’t forget… Mad natural talent and leadership skills.
@skyline,
I know deep down inside you have a sneaking suspicion that Winston is the right choice. It’s ok, let it out. Nobody worthwhile will judge you. 🙂
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:51 pm
Matt
I prefer Mariota over Winston. If we took Winston I wouldn’t care. I think he needs to fix his throwing mechanics. If he does I think he could be good.
January 23rd, 2015 at 4:59 pm
Skyline, he does windup a bit, but it’s nearly identical to roethlisberger, who is doing fine. Not saying it’s not a concern, but I think he does do many other things so well that you try to work that out of his game with repetition and the fact he doesn’t play baseball anymore. Footwork needs a little work too. But I believe he’s good enough to take #1 even w that said. You can’t reall teach leadership, the will to win, confidence, and even accuracy to a degree. And he has all of that right out the box.
Ps- just messing w u
January 23rd, 2015 at 5:18 pm
So let me get this straight:
Surround a guy with some help on the field to help him succeed: Great idea.
Surround a guy with some help OFF the field to help him succeed: Horrible idea and not even worth drafting.
Gotcha.
You’ve given up your right to have any more intelligent conversation about football this month with that last statement.
Stop playing Madden.
How do you know that he is ready?
Because you really want it to be true in your heart? Or is it all the pro-style NFL offenses he’s run in his football career.
[tl;dr]
I don’t trust another black QB for my team. I’d rather not have a proven winner on my team.
[/tl;dr]
Its so funny that the only people that people can compare Winston to are other failed black QBs….
I’ll just leave it at that.
So i guess we’re going to have to live through you posting this dream draft scenario in every article until draft day…
Underrated (and most likely overlooked) comment.
I, for one, don’t like Mariota (on the field) because of what i believe he is currently unable to do on the field. I’m not trying to be his friend in real life, so his personal life is of no meaning to me. With that being said, if he’s drafted by us, I’ll still be a fan…
..the difference with Winston is that plenty of people have already labelled him as a “thug” and “criminal” although he has yet to be convicted on anything as well as calling him “Leftwich 2.0, JaMarcus Russell 2.0, Freeman 2.0”. Do you see the one common denominator between the three?
How many people on here have said, “If they draft Winston, I’ll stop being a fan of this team”? I remember hearing the same thing when Freeman was here.
and a coach…..but most people want that anyway.
They’d rather us draft Mariota, have him sit on the bench for a little while, have Lovie fail, have Lovie fired and then have Mariota start.
LMAO…ok, so lets look past the fact that you’re pretending to know everything that your kids’ friends do when you’re not around…
How many of those friends have ever been the starting QB for their D-1 school while holding a undefeated record through college?
“I promise, i’m not racist. I have 3 black friends”
Man, you’re awesome!!! Would you mind also looking into that crystal ball and telling me the lotto numbers for tonights Powerball drawing? I’d rather not come back to work next week.
January 23rd, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Joe, joe, joe… smh
I worry very much that you underestimate the importance of what goes on between a QB’s ears.. come-on man
January 23rd, 2015 at 9:17 pm
This kid is a BIG risk.
January 23rd, 2015 at 9:20 pm
After flip-flopping between Mariota and Winston for a while, I think the Bucs have to draft Winston. This is assuming that he stays out of the headlines over the next few months for all the “wrong reasons”.
Reasonable, semi-knowledgeable fans of football should be able to agree Winston’s film is simply leaps and bounds better than Mariota’s. For me, the hesitation always was, and still is, character.
“Who’s my favorite player? Derrick. Derrick.” If he is involved with this so-called “character development plan” then I say Winston is in the best hands possible, with a legitimate shot at maturing into a man and the franchise quarterback this franchise desperately needs.
January 23rd, 2015 at 9:33 pm
Mr. Patrick Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:07 am
You can’t just change somebody’s character, they are who they are. That’s why after much rehabilitation the prison systems are full of repeat offenders.
You are wrong and very sad! It is very sad that you have no idea as to what is happening in your country.
January 23rd, 2015 at 9:45 pm
Celly Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Jonathan Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:08 pm
Knucknbuc we may not need a babysitter for mariota but you are telling me you are willing to waste 20million of this teams money on the number 2 draft pick and have him sit because he isn’t ready for an nfl caliber offense? Or pay 20 mil for someone who can start day one and win games while getting mentored by one of the greatest buccaneers that has ever lived. Please tell me that you were a complete saint in college. I highly doubt it! You guys give this man a lot of Sh!t remember he has had more fame then any of us have had at his age and to be honest I don’t even think I could have done any better if the roles were reversed. Pick up Jameis first round, then focus on protection and a WR. In free agency pick up SUH, JPP, Houston, and cromartie and instantly transform this team to the most feared in the nfl.
You’ve given up your right to have any more intelligent conversation about football this month with that last statement.
Stop playing Madden.
Good read! Can you explain your response to the above. And, You are posting while at work?
January 23rd, 2015 at 9:48 pm
Tampabaybucfan Says:
January 23rd, 2015 at 11:56 am
@ Couch Fan
I agree……”IF”?
Here is one!
January 23rd, 2015 at 10:15 pm
“So let me get this straight:
Surround a guy with some help on the field to help him succeed: Great idea.
Surround a guy with some help OFF the field to help him succeed: Horrible idea and not even worth drafting.”
No. The point is that the NFL is big business. The 1st overall pick is big business. Teams that want to dig their way out of the cellar have absolutely ZERO business drafting a guy who can’t act like an adult, even at age 20. All of college was a job interview, and he got into trouble again and again – and those are just the things he got caught doing.
It’s the kind of crap that screws locker rooms up later on… either the team’s leader lets everyone down, or he gets some sort of preferential treatment and people get resentful…
It’s not that I think Jameis Winston is incapable of growing up and having a fine career – I really hope he does. It’s that this team cannot afford to draft him, have his ego swell up, and have him spend as much time partying or shoplifting as he does watching film. He might not do those things – but the fact that it’s even a question means you shouldn’t be thinking about him with the top overall pick.
I know he’s a first round talent, but it’s the kind of thing that’s a worthwhile risk in the third or fourth round – not at the very top of the draft.
I would infinitely rather draft the mature adult, forego some sort of regimented babysitting group to keep him from shooting himself in the foot, and let the guy have 2 or 3 years to develop into something special than even take the CHANCE on a guy who there are real questions about whether or not he can stay out of off field trouble.
It’s the same basic concept as drafting guys with an injury history. Tons of talent, but what have DaQuan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn done for this franchise!? Either of those guys would have been fine risks in the 4th or 5th round, but the team blew a 1st and a 2nd on them and got pretty much zero in return – because we all assumed they’d just stay healthy.
January 23rd, 2015 at 10:22 pm
“Knucknbuc we may not need a babysitter for mariota but you are telling me you are willing to waste 20million of this teams money on the number 2 draft pick and have him sit because he isn’t ready for an nfl caliber offense? Or pay 20 mil for someone who can start day one and win games while getting mentored by one of the greatest buccaneers that has ever lived.”
That’s a four year deal worth $20 million – and the cap number in year one is a fraction of that. And yes, I ABSOLUTELY would. Too many quarterbacks with bright futures get thrown to the wolves by week 3, aren’t equipped to deal with the speed of the NFL yet, and play poorly, then don’t have the time to grow on Sundays because everyone is so freaking impatient.
Rodgers sat behind Favre for 3 years and pretty much stepped in immediately after that and won lots of games – including a Super Bowl by his third year.
I wouldn’t wait 3 years, but letting rookie QB’s sit a year or two is how it SHOULD be done if you care about your team’s long term success at all.
January 24th, 2015 at 9:53 am
For what it’s worth recent mock drafts are showing the Bucs choosing Winston as their number 1 pick more than Mariota. A significant change from just a week or two ago. Can’t wait for the February combine and the interviews. Once again the Bucs off season proves to be more interesting than their regular season.
January 24th, 2015 at 9:55 am
So a “life’s coach”…. Anything that can help would be a great idea.
January 24th, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Andrew Luck elite? Really,didnt appear elite last weekend going 12 of 33 and 2ints no touchdowns. Winston will be at very least as good msybe better than that guy. To all you there is no Andrew Lucks in this draft,again you’re right because this draft is highlighted by Jamies Winston.
January 24th, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Here’s the thing joe:
You came out last year ranting and raving about Johnny football instead of being able to assess talent as a qb. You know knock mariota for translating to a spread yet didn’t for mr. Manziel.
Joe Please do us a favor and stop evaluating qbs. Take it from a guy who’s played the position at a college level.
The fact that Derrick Brooks is saying you need a “character developmental plan in place” is already making me want to remove him from my board in round 1. The regression on the field last year, the josh freeman like tunnel vision , putting his team in horrid situations where the defense had to bail him out. His character issues are not over blown. They’re brought upon by Winston himself.
Look at mariota. This guy just gets it. He has the it factor. Does he come from a spread? Yes. But he might have been the trigger man of the most explosive offense in college football history. 12 career interceptions? Wow.
What is more impressive? Since he started as a RS freshman the continuous improvement from the pocket had been extremely phenomenal. You didn’t see him take a step back year to year to year. Nothing but improvement. He’s mature. Top intangibles. A qbs guru chip Kelley Randall Cunningham. All rave this kid is special. He’s not just your one trick pony. He can beat you in the pocket with his legs and outside the pocket.
He’s Russell Wilson. He just is never satisfied until he’s great and even that isn’t good enough.
Look at what lovie smith likes: guys who won’t turn the ball over with bad decisions. Marcus mariota had 3 ints this year. You can point to fumbles but when you’re a qb, taking hits in the pocket can lead to them without control.
People want to point but “Winston came from an NFL offense in college, his transition will be smoother. ” And you think mariota can’t do this? This man has probably already been taking snaps under center and working for the nfl. He’s already a quick decision maker and has that eternal clock for making big plays.
Mariota has a much bigger ceiling with a floor if a good qb as well. I’m taking the guy who is going to put me in the conversation for the next 10-12 years. Not just next year.