Jameis Watch: “Derrick Brooks Would Take This Guy In”
December 24th, 2014
Crab-legs-stealing, BB-gun-shooting, obscenity-hollering, Heisman-Trophy-winning, national champion James 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.
Man, it sure seems like 90 percent of Bucs fans can’t stand up they are so at attention for Marcus Mariota. Where the love comes from is really interesting.
Joe reads guys who once made a living in the NFL breaking down players, and few rate Mariota over Winston as a quarterback (not counting the off-field nonsense). But Bucs fans, well, the vast majority are convinced Mariota will shame Jameis on an NFL field.
For those Mariota fans, the “Custodian of Canton,” eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune, has some information that is verbal coal in the stocking.
Kaufman has had his ear to the ground listening for rumblings of the Bucs’ plans this April, and he is starting to believe if the Bucs do pick a QB with the No. 1 overall pick (assuming the Bucs do the right thing and lose Sunday), Winston is the choice over Mariota.
The reason? Look no farther than one of the greatest Bucs players of all-time, Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks.
This is the bombshell Kaufman dropped on the one and only Chris “Mad Dog” Russo Tuesday, on the channel that bears his name, “Mad Dog Radio,” part of the family of sports channels heard on SiriusXM Radio.
eye-RAH! Kaufman: I think there is a better chance they go for Winston. I’m starting to think more Winston than Mariota because [Florida State] runs more of an NFL-style offense. Let me throw something out — can I give you a little scoop, young man?
Chris “Mad Dog” Russo: Always from you, Ira. Always from you.
Kaufman: All right, here we go: I’m thinking they might be leaning towards Winston for this reason and I asked somebody, “Hey, do you think maybe they would do that because Lovie Smith would have a calming influence on Winston and help him mature quickly in the NFL?” And they said, “It wouldn’t be Lovie Smith, it would be Derrick Brooks.”
Russo: Oh, really?
Kaufman: Derrick Brooks would take this guy in, maybe even into his house that first year. He’s an FSU alumni, proud of it. I tell you what, if anybody could work on Winston, it would be Derrick Brooks.
This makes so much sense Joe cannot believe he didn’t think of it before. Arguably no one in Tampa knows Winston like Brooks. He is very close to the FSU football program and is a fixture at most home games.
Brooks has even Twittered out photos of himself and his son with Winston from the Seminoles locker room after yet another Winston win (that’s all he does). Brooks also is tight with FSU coach Jimbo Fisher.
And we all know how close Brooks is to the Bucs and his former linebacker coach, Lovie Smith.
This all adds up. It’s no lock the Bucs draft Winston, but they have the best big brother for Winston in their backyard, better than any NFL team could have.
December 24th, 2014 at 4:39 pm
Take Winston, if he flops I will blame it on Brooks. Really take him. He is tougher than Mariota. Like water off a ducks back.
December 24th, 2014 at 4:46 pm
i am all for it. Lets do it.
December 24th, 2014 at 4:47 pm
I think Winston is easily a more NFL ready qb. The extracurriculars is what scares the crap out of Bucs fans (coughjoshfreemancough).
Winston/Marriota doesnt make a huge difference to me. I think both have a good chance at success.
Heres the bottom line for me, if they go QB like they should I can swallow another season of rebuilding, if they go any other position they had better win now or Lovie should be unemployed by midseason next year.
December 24th, 2014 at 4:51 pm
I think it would be 100% for Mariota if Winston did not play in state. Who cares if he went to FSU. I was really going for FSU to win the national title game but I want to draft Mariota so much more that I am having to go against FSU in the upcoming bowl game. It sucks but my loyalty lies more so with the Bucs and I want Mariota to outshine Winston in the bowl game so the last game on his resume looks good in the eyes of Bucs scouts.
December 24th, 2014 at 4:51 pm
Brooks better hide his wife and daughters
December 24th, 2014 at 4:59 pm
Tough team, tough quarterback = Winston, nuff said.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:06 pm
Do you really want to invest the #1pick on someone you have to hire a minder for??? When has this ever worked? I can’t think of one success story.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:08 pm
I hope both QB’s play well using their attributes to the best of their collegiate abilities. I hope both defenses play harder than they ever have this season and it would be nice if the game came down to the last drive by FSU with 2:30 left to go down by 1 point. Or Oregon down by 1 point with 2:30 left to go and Oregon has the ball for the last drive. Who can handle the pressure better? Who can make a play when needed? Who wants to be the #1 draft pick knowing that every team is watching? WHO, WHO, WHO?
December 24th, 2014 at 5:11 pm
@lightningbuc….that’s f-ed up bro…I think you need to read this article with an open mind. Or u can stay blurting out uneducated venom that makes you look a little ignorant. Your choice. Here’s the link: http://chopchat.com/2014/12/24/heres-new-york-times-isnt-telling/
December 24th, 2014 at 5:14 pm
If FSU’s defense makes Mariota look like a scrub then all his backers should shut up because he will not look any better in the pro’s. On the other hand, if Oregon’s defense makes Winston look like a scrub then those who back him should admit that he may not be as good as they thought. If they both play like scrubs but one does enough to help his team win then the debate is over, O.V.E.R., OVER.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:27 pm
Buccodav makes a good point. Still – both QBs will likely do very well in the NFL.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:28 pm
Who would we have to hire as a minder, and life coach to Mariota?
December 24th, 2014 at 5:34 pm
given a choice between mariota and jameis Winston I would take jameis. from what I have heard on espn mariota is not likely to be able to take the punishment in the nfl. he is thin bodied not much muscle mass. also, mariota’s passing is not nfl ready. these are not my opinions just what I have heard on espn.I personally think lovie (if he is still coach) will not draft a QB. he has always had veteran QB’S no rookies.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:37 pm
I think Winston with evans will give this team some much needed attitude on offense. Don’t you guys wish McCown would get in the face if the lineman a little more instead of crying? Kids got swag… This all being said I just want whoever the hell will help this team more and will be happy with either of them.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Im 110% Winston all the way if we DO go QB first…..but Id still rather trade down and go O line
December 24th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Sad that a MAN needs to have someone watch over him to ensure he doesn’t do anything stupid!
December 24th, 2014 at 5:48 pm
Start with losing to the Saints this week.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:52 pm
It’s such an easy pick, I have no doubt the Bucs will screw it up.
December 24th, 2014 at 5:53 pm
**** on a side note, doesn’t this sound like a sitcom??? Brash rookie, drafted 1st overall, lives with grizzled HOFer his first year in the league??? I’d watch that!!!!******
December 24th, 2014 at 5:59 pm
@Lightningbuc, that’s pretty jacked up. Maybe u should read this article with a semi open mind. Or don’t, and sound bias and ignorant like ESecPN. Heres the link: http://chopchat.com/2014/12/24/heres-new-york-times-isnt-telling/
December 24th, 2014 at 6:01 pm
Here’s an idea…fire the whole fking staff, hire Brooks as GM/VP Head of Football Ops, hire Jimbo to coach and draft Winston….
December 24th, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Whatever helps you sleep at night Joe.
December 24th, 2014 at 6:33 pm
This is already a crushed franchise, if they take Winston and he blows it, there is just nothing left. No room for error, no use for immature leadership. (Leadership!?) At least Mariota can come in here, shut up, work as hard as he can and earn his teammates trust. Oh, and not need a babysitter.
December 24th, 2014 at 6:45 pm
I don’t get people saying trade down and work on the o-line. We don’t have a quarterback and most o-lineman are not worthy of first round picks. Quality lineman can be found in your 2nd to 4th rounds. I like both quarterbacks, but Winston’s fundamentals worry me.
December 24th, 2014 at 6:48 pm
Thank you.
December 24th, 2014 at 6:51 pm
Jamie testified that the woman he raped “moaned” and that’s how he knew she consented. As Juliet Macur wrote in the NY Times this morning: “His answer was ridiculous and infuriating, and just shows how Florida State rolls these days…Nothing to see here. Move along. Just head straight into the stands for the team’s next game…Fans at the game might want to bring a towel–not to swing over their heads after they cheer, but to use after the game. For showering. Anyone who has supported the program for the past couple of years should feel dirty now.” All of the Seminole players called to testify “refused, along with Winston, to answer questions about the rape case in Winston’s conduct hearing. Some would call their silence obstructing justice. In Tallahassee, though, it’s probably called teamwork.”
Joe can spin this anyway he wants to, but there are far more knowledgeable people (about rape cases) than Joe or me. This guy has been treated with kid gloves and given special treatment. Putting another ex-Seminole in charge of him, is not going to do anything. You do not draft difficult people. Period. Let’s not treat him as some kind of a victim. Didn’t we learn anything by drafting Mike Williams? The NFL is not the place to get therapy and rehabilitation.
December 24th, 2014 at 6:52 pm
So you want to tie the future of the franchise to a guy you don’t trust to live on his own? But with a HOF linebacker? That’s the kind of thinking that turned a 4-12 team in to what it is today. Simple as that. Winston may be the best QB to ever be drafted but this doesn’t sound like a serious recommendation.
December 24th, 2014 at 6:53 pm
And whats the history of our O line the past 10 years? And look where its got us….no where! If we pick Winston, I sure hope like hell the 2nd pick is O line!
December 24th, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Not bad, actually.
Davin Joseph was quite good until he blew out his knee. Donald Penn (free agent) was outstanding. Sears was good until he went mental. Zuttah was very good.
December 24th, 2014 at 7:09 pm
And where did it get us? Now I know blame can be laid in other positions when they were here, but look where we are now, where O line can be a difference maker!! The need has never been more GLARING….Come on Man.
December 24th, 2014 at 7:14 pm
Question for JBF. Let’s say Yucs lose Sunday and get the no. 1 pick, then hire an OC to bring out the best in Mariota/Winston. What happens if Eagles offer a kings ransom on draft day plus Foles or some other team for that matter..Do you take it and now what with the new OC? Would love to have that scenario happen. I sure hope McCown retires. Merry Christmas to all. Hope Santa brings us a competent team in 2015.
December 24th, 2014 at 7:20 pm
No. Why take the Eagles’ leftovers? If they thought so much of Foles, they wouldn’t trade him.
Teams don’t purposely wash their hands of good quarterbacks.
December 24th, 2014 at 7:38 pm
It would be Franchise suicide to pull a Redskins trade up. Eagles aren’t that stupid. Agree with Joe on this…we need to stop taking FA QBs or ones that teams don’t want anymore. It doesn’t and hasn’t worked. We need our own.
December 24th, 2014 at 7:51 pm
Teams don’t purposely wash their hands of good quarterbacks.
Amen to that. It’s not like Philly is loaded with QB’s. It would obviously be a trade…Mariota for Foles and however many picks the Eagles would toss in.
Every now and then, very rarely, a team will have two good QB’s and in effect be forced to trade one to let him play somewhere else. See Kapaernik stays and Alex Smith gone to KC….Hindsight being 20-20 did the Niners do the right thing? What did they get for Smith I forget?
December 24th, 2014 at 8:03 pm
Im loving the idea of Winston
December 24th, 2014 at 8:10 pm
Joe, of course, has a great track record red of selecting quarterbacks….see Johnny football. Cleveland is now ready to offer him for a third round pick and is the most likely team to try to move up to grab Mariota.
December 24th, 2014 at 8:18 pm
Hey buddah, they’re starting Connor Shaw….cant wait to watch him make jonny boy look bad. We couldve brought Connor Shaw in….oh well
December 24th, 2014 at 8:22 pm
Problem is Eagles don’t have 2 good QBs.
December 24th, 2014 at 8:39 pm
I like Winston’s positive attitude, it’s not rape. It’s surprise sex. Winston: When I had my hand over her mouth it sounded like moaning, I took that as approval.
December 24th, 2014 at 9:09 pm
I still prefer mariota. Love do, but he can’t watch this kid all of the time. If he blows up, it sets the franchise back at least 5 years. Imo too much risk.
December 24th, 2014 at 9:44 pm
lightningbuc Says:
December 24th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Sad that a MAN needs to have someone watch over him to ensure he doesn’t do anything stupid!
I hope someone is looking over you because you sound too stupid to be at home alone.
December 24th, 2014 at 9:49 pm
Gor for it, with risk comes great reward in some instances. This is a move needed to excite and increase the fan base. I’m talking about drafting Winston, is he even a sure thing to enter the draft? Lovie actually taking Winston, I’ll believe it when I see it.
December 24th, 2014 at 9:54 pm
Let’s take him!!!!
I’m all in.
December 24th, 2014 at 10:04 pm
that’s nice derrick brooks knows defense! idiot lovie is not taking him or any other QB not in first round! just watch.
December 24th, 2014 at 10:07 pm
as we all know he needs to win! he is not thinking a rookie QB! simple as that.
December 24th, 2014 at 10:18 pm
Well he kind of needs a QB to win.
December 24th, 2014 at 10:19 pm
only way I would take this pinhead is round 3. don’t care what he has done at fsu! its not the nfl.
December 24th, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Joe they have to take Mariota the chances Winston ends up in jail soon for one thing or another is highly likely.
December 24th, 2014 at 10:27 pm
yes skyline true but he is not going to start a rookie period!
December 24th, 2014 at 10:46 pm
Would b happy to get Winston
December 24th, 2014 at 11:03 pm
How can you argue with #55?
December 24th, 2014 at 11:24 pm
I believe Jerry Jones took a similar approach with #88, every body doesn’t get that number in Dallas. How many straight pro bowls for Dez…
December 24th, 2014 at 11:38 pm
Dinner conversation with some really smart people tonight.
The consensus was that the Bucs need to trade down for picks
and beef up the line before they even consider QBs.
Howard believes that Joes heart will be dashed upon the rocks
for a second straight year. More than likely this is what L&L will do.
Howard doesn’t necessarily agree with the trade down crowd.
He thinks we need both QB AND LINE.
December 25th, 2014 at 12:30 am
The girl has lied how many times now? Get over it. He is innocent and stop trying to make this guy who at best is immature. And before u go throwing out that he stole crab legs. I seem to remember that another fsu player stole shoes . What makes me sick is how guys like Zachary mettenburger get convicted of a sexual Crime yet did you hear anything how bad of a guy he was by the media outlets? Espn gives all sec athletes a pass and has now gone after dalvin cook as well. It’s sickening and if u believe for a second this sh*t isn’t to try and screw with fsu now that winston us cleared you are stupid or naive. This happened in July and convenient that they bring it up now. Or I could talk about the front page with jameis face attached to a article on nariora getting a speeding ticket. Ridiculous!
December 25th, 2014 at 1:25 am
Plenty of players have come into the league with questionable character issues and have lit it up with out to many incidents through out their careers. Let’s face it these kids are superstars in college they act a bit immature but to pass on that kind of talent for simply being a little afraid is silly. I want wins, I am tired of coming up short year after year just because we want to play it safe. Would you pass on players such as Warren Sapp, Randy Moss, Tyrann Mathieu, Cam Newton? they all had character concerns coming out and got passed over.
The character is for the coaches to deal with, good coaches can work wonders. I ask you this bottom line, Who gives us the best chance to win NOW!?
December 25th, 2014 at 2:57 am
I’m really starting to lean towards Freeman…. I mean Winston. We can clean house again in two years from top to bottom when he flops. Licht, Lovie, and Winston can all be run out of town at the same time, if Winston can stay out of jail that long. Works for me.
December 25th, 2014 at 7:04 am
Stop comparing Winston to freeman,MIT just does not make sense…did you guys watch either of them in college? Free was squeaky clean coming into the league as well, and none of us know what happened with him.
December 25th, 2014 at 7:05 am
Oh, and look at their college records, night and day.
December 25th, 2014 at 8:50 am
I remember the talk about picking Winston before the last draft. Didn’t think we’d possibly get the first pick. Just wow.
December 25th, 2014 at 12:48 pm
BuccoDav makes a great point, a scary one actually. I’m trying to think of a single example of a QB with character issues coming out of college who had success in the NFL, and came up empty. I think Winston has the tools of a prototype NFL QB, but now I’m really concerned. Ugh.
December 25th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Brooks is also the one who warns that Winston may play baseball.
December 25th, 2014 at 1:52 pm
The Bucs need two more 2-3 win seasons before they even have a shot of being a contender. Look at Detroit and count the #1 picks.
December 27th, 2014 at 11:11 am
David, thanks for the link. I glad someone had the guts to write the truth about this whole situation. I have said all along that this girl has changed her story several times and that pertinent aspects of the investigation has not been reported but what can you do; people will believe what they want to believe. Let’s just hope the Bucs’ investigators diligently investigate the whole alleged rape and all the other incidents that are merely dumb things that some college students do. It’s a no brainer Winston is the pick.