Mariota 5, Winston 0
December 29th, 2014
Insider Peter King has surveyed NFL executive types
Tampa Bay must draft a quarterback. The 2014 edition of Josh McCown performed worse than Bruce Gradkowski, and Mike Glennon is dead QB walking.
Heck, the Bucs needed to draft a QB last year. Lesson learned — hopefully.
Some, not Joe, think University of Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota should be the Bucs’ slam dunk pick with the No. 1 overall draft pick in April.
Bucs-uniform-frowning, Allie-LaForce-smitten, Big-Ten-Network-hating, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball-box-score-reading, NPR-listening, filthy-hotel-staying, fight-instigating, barista-training Peter King, of Sports Illustrated and NBC Sports fame, is that camp.
In his weekly column today on TheMMQB.com, King says NFL executives share his sentiment — unanimously.
The Bucs should just turn in the card for Mariota now
The Bucs will have a delegation, led by GM Jason Licht, at the Rose Bowl Thursday to see Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota duel Florida State’s Jameis Winston. I recently asked five GM/personnel types in the NFL about the two players, and it came out the way I thought: 5-0 in favor of Mariota, because of on-field and off-field things, including the fact that Winston, in the words of one team official who is in the market for a quarterback high in the draft, got careless on the field this year and played some undisciplined football. We won’t really know about how high Winston goes, though, until teams do their post-season homework on him.
Peter, Peter, Peter, take a deep breath.
Joe will counter King by saying Mariota’s draft stock isn’t set in stone, either. NFL executives are keeping a very close eye on how Mariota handles the massive pressure before and during the Rose Bowl.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:33 am
Mariota the obvious pick to the experts, yet we’ll still be subjected to the daily drivel of a certain thieving FSU QB.
JOE KNOWS QBs
December 29th, 2014 at 9:34 am
I strongly prefer Mariota, but it’s way to early to be handing in the draft card. There are lots of steps to this process, and while none of those steps is the be all and end all, the situation is fluid.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:39 am
Joe Knows QBs….
Johnny Football? No?
December 29th, 2014 at 9:40 am
Mariota is the next RG3, Winston is the next Roethlisburger. Handling the pressure of the Rose Bowl will say A LOT about MM. JW is a proven winner and Alpha Male in the locker room and in the huddle. As of now, JW is the no-brainer choice….
December 29th, 2014 at 9:42 am
I thought we were trading for Johnny Football?
December 29th, 2014 at 9:43 am
Dungy is in favor of Mariota and with his offensive prowess it must be a sure thin. Alex ill take QB’s who’ve never lost for $500 please.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:43 am
Joe..just don’t think Winston will happen…he has “immature” written all over him. More talented? Very possibly. But after the Freemans, Williams, Talibs, etc. drama that has cost this team substantially over the last decade, I just don’t see it.
The only thing that might change that is if Mariota doesn’t show the arm or accuracy that will translate to the next level. I remember the knock on Rodgers about his mechanics and such…but if a guy is a leader, bright, loves football, and has the drive to learn and grow, he will be fine…and seems Mariota is that kind of guy.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:45 am
I don’t care for scrambling QBs. It is usually very difficult to get them to ignore that first impulse to run instead of looking for that 2nd, 3rd and 4th passing option. Winston seems to get that – Aim Us for Jameis!
December 29th, 2014 at 9:45 am
There are 3 things that need to be done:
1. Hire a dynamic Offensive Coordinator, who can actually game plan and make changes during a game to MOVE the ball.
2. Draft a QB. I prefer Winston, but would accept the other guy with open arms. At least with one of these two, we have a chance to get better,
3. Get Matt Hasselbeck in here immediately as the primary backup and mentor for the new franchise QB. While you’re at it CUT McCown and save 5.25 Million, to be used on someone that can actually play the game and trade the “future”, Mike Glennon, for a 3rd or 4th round pick.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:46 am
I’m high on Mariota but there’s a lot to like about Winston too. I’m going to withhold judgement until I see the game on Thursday and the combine. Hopefully the Bucs make the right decision because the wrong decision could set us back another 10 years.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:50 am
Mariota is a good Christian boy, a major plus for Lovie. Jameis might be Satan, a major minus for Lovie. You do the math.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:52 am
And the smoke screens begin. For all we know the titan’s GM was one of the 5.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:53 am
If NFL executives are saying they want Mariota then that tells me they’d draft Winston
December 29th, 2014 at 9:57 am
We sucked for the duck. Now do the smart thing and draft him.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:59 am
Not really Smalls…they know that Mariota won’t be there when most of them draft anyway. What does Winston have to do to show you guys that he has a lot of growing up to do? And I don’t think we want that in the Bucs Locker room, that has seen more than our share of drama already.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:02 am
“Winston, in the words of one team official who is in the market for a quarterback high in the draft, got careless on the field this year and played some undisciplined football.”
Meaning he put the team in the holes that he gets praised for getting them out of. Peyton Manning said it best when he said that a 4th quarter comeback only means that you played like crap for the first 3 quarters. That sums up Winston’s season. I get that he hasn’t lost and that he puts together a lot of thrilling comebacks but it’s not going to be nearly as easy to engineer those comebacks in the NFL and the holes he’ll put the team in while he’s figuring out what he’s supposed to be doing will be much bigger. If I’m getting a #1 overall QB I’d much rather get one without so many glaring holes. I’ll take Mariotta riding the bench for a while as he learns the new system over Winston’s on and off field issues.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:03 am
If some of you are so sure that Mariota doesn’t have the talent, and we can see on a nearly daily basis that Winston doesn’t have the maturity, you are starting to convince me that we will trade down.
So how far do we trade down?
December 29th, 2014 at 10:04 am
I’m wondering if Winston should just stay in school for another year and try to be a sterling citizen. If he can do it for a year, that may bring a lot of teams calling for him at #1 in 2016.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:13 am
JW is undefeated!
December 29th, 2014 at 10:13 am
@Harry
Mariota is NOT a running QB. He is a QB that can run. Big difference. He works his progressions and runs as a last resort.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:14 am
Harry Says:
December 29th, 2014 at 9:45 am
I don’t care for scrambling QBs. It is usually very difficult to get them to ignore that first impulse to run instead of looking for that 2nd, 3rd and 4th passing option. Winston seems to get that – Aim Us for Jameis!
If you think he is a scrambling QB then you obviously do not watch him play at all. He’s averaged 8 runs a game in his career and they average about 80-90 plays a game. I’ve watched every big game of us including where he tore up Arizona he wasn’t running he would look around make plays and find a receiver downfield just like Rodgers does. I believe Winston has averaged 5-6 runs a game but not positive on that.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:16 am
Zam…I’m not sure staying in school another year would make a bit of difference…..if he won’t change their lifestyle and buckle down to the books or anything of the sort, it would make no difference. What he needs to do is get a guy in his corner like Dungy or Brooks, and act in the matter they would suggest… consistently …and stop the Manziel type behavior.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:16 am
I sure hope ATL does not hire Rex Ryan. The Falcons are a perfect spot for him. Ryan would step into a situation where his weaknesses are covered: he would have a high scoring offense with an established QB; and being one of the best defensive minds in the game, he would like make ATL very, very tough to beat
December 29th, 2014 at 10:17 am
@ Patrick in Va: Finally, you’ve got it right!!!
Last year Joe pressed hard for Johnny Football, who was just read the riot act by ownership…..guy will continue to be a flop, just doesn’t get it….. (Why does everyone forget Joe constantly stated Bridgewater and the Bucs would be a great marriage, too? –Joe)
Winston is high-risk, huge downside, surrounded by great talent that continually bailed him out….
Can’t wait to see them both on the same field….
December 29th, 2014 at 10:18 am
Stu…so you discount the rest of the guys surrounding Winston? Seems we have seen very successful college QB’s not make it? Tim Tebow anyone? Seems like he won a bunch of games in college, and national championships to boot.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:19 am
@Harry – I recall you being on the Manziel bandwagon last year and us having some pretty heated debates about whether we should draft him or not. Manziel is the definition of a running QB, as evidenced by him being reluctant to stay in even a clean pocket. I’m not going to hold you to that because I am all about people evolving their opinions, especially when it evolves to line up with mine (aka, the right opinion).
December 29th, 2014 at 10:23 am
Tom…that is the way I read it…the tougher decision might have been picking Winston at two or trading down…I think picking someone else than Winston at #2 would have had fans looking like the crowd around Dr. Frankensteins castle.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:23 am
@Joe – I don’t think that it’s that people forget that you were onboard for Bridgewater, it’s that Manziel was shoved down our throats so forcefully and he has flamed out so brilliantly. I’m going to pull out my crystal ball and predict that you’re going to see the exact same thing if Winston has a similar flop season next year.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:28 am
(Why does everyone forget Joe constantly stated Bridgewater and the Bucs would be a great marriage, too? –Joe)
____________
Constantly? Constantly is when you pine for a certain player at least once a day with a feature article.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:29 am
Mark, growing up? Winston is an academic all ACC in engineering switched from pre-med. And when most football student athletes get a full semester to concentrate and bring their GPA’s up Winston jumps right into a grueling baseball season as a top player in that sport as well. Seems to me that he’s pretty damn responsible and a very hard worker.
Is the rape allegation disturbing? To me, not really after the evidence that was presented in the latest hearing. Yes, he needs to be more aware of who he brings home with him but no other behavior of this sort has surfaced. The BB gun, crab leg and other incidents are just silly and pale in comparison to what has gone on at college institutions in the past.
Unlike Johnny Football, he doesn’t go hang with Drake, Labron James and float on inflatable swans and pool parties. He’s either studying school work or leading the top football and baseball teams and his production academically and on the field prove this right.
I think this will prove invaluable to him when teams start investigating who the real Jameis Winston is. I had to laugh when they mentioned Winston was careless with the football… No mention that the first half struggles were offset by the most efficient second half football ever to be played by a college QB. In the NFL that is critical. It’s not how many big plays are made in the NFL but WHEN are they made that counts. And Jameis had that knack to always make the play.
I have to Mariota credit though, don’t know how he was able to produce such a great Junior season with having to juggle his course load of two classes – Golf & Yoga.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:33 am
Winston and Manziel are very different as to why you’d be concerned about them (hint: it has to do with money). Besides Mariota has two black marks against him (spread QB/Heisman winner) and Jameis only the one (Heisman winner).
December 29th, 2014 at 10:34 am
@Patrick in VA,
“…I am all about people evolving their opinions, especially when it evolves to line up with mine (aka, the right opinion)…”
IMO, the jury is still out on JF (this way, I don’t yet have to admit anything!). But on this other point, I like to associate with smart ppl! Lol
December 29th, 2014 at 10:40 am
BucsneedaQB Says
“Mariota is the next RG3, Winston is the next Roethlisburger.”
Almost accurate. Football-wise, it is. But Mariota’s attitude and personality is more like, say, Josh McCown. (I know, that sounds like an insult but it isn’t. McCown is a great leader who sets and example and never speaks against his teammates, never gets into trouble).
One knock on Mariota is he plays in a spread defense and may not transflate well to the nfl. The same was said of Cam Newton.
Still, I’m undecided betwee
December 29th, 2014 at 10:40 am
WHY WOULD EITHER OF THEM WANT TO COME TO TAMPA.
WHAT OFFENSIVE PLAYER WOULD WANT TO PLAY FOR LOVIE.
OR FOR THAT MATTER, THE BUCS.
THEY ARE A TEAM PLAYING IN THE 90’S, IN A LEAGUE THAT IS IN THE 22ND CENTURY ACCORDINGLY.
WHY WOULD ANYONE COME TO TAMPA TO PLAY FOR AN ORGANIZATION THAT APPEARED TO TANK THE LAST GAMES.
AND I AM WONDERING WHY I SPEND TIME WRITING AND WATCHING.
BUC’S FOOTBALL IS AS EXCITING AS A HEMORRHOID OPERATION WITH A BROKEN COKE BOTTLE
December 29th, 2014 at 10:41 am
Mike Smith fired.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:42 am
Take a look at the OSU QB in the Alabama game. In his first collegiate start against Wisconsin, he was magnificent. Looked like Winston on his best days. Just sayin … .
December 29th, 2014 at 10:44 am
I’m on the Mariota bandwagon. In fact, I’ve probably been driving this bus since the ATL blowout. Both QBs are physically gifted. The major difference for me is two things. One, maturity level. Winston still acts like a high school student. Not someone I want leading a franchise. Two, intelligence. Admittedly, I don’t know how intelligent Mariota is, but I’ve seen the interviews with Winston and the guy comes off as dumb. Like worse QB score on the wonderlic dumb. Dumb QBs don’t tend to last long in the NFL…aka Vince Young. To me, this is a no brainer, slam dunk pick. Don’t screw it up L&L!
December 29th, 2014 at 10:45 am
As I see it… when a team picks a QB that high, he IS the face of the franchise. Are the Glazers willing to take the chance of picking someone who could tarnish the image of the organization for a long time to come? Is Lovie/Licht willing to take a chance at ruining their careers? If the Glazers are involved in the pick, I doubt they will be in favor.
But all of this may be for naught, if Winston does what he said he would do… stay in school one more year. He would have an opportunity to stay clean, play better, and improve his stock in next year’s draft.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:46 am
Joe, considering how far behind the 8-ball you were with realizing we needed to tank the season for the #1 pick, for being on the Johnny Football bandwagon too long and now posting daily about picking Jameis and criticizing the potential of Mariota, you might want to rethink your strategy.
We visit multiple times each day because we feel you possess both insight and perception. Please avoid the 3-strike rule by hitching your wagon too soon.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:50 am
This will be a Licht pick if they go QB. It’s not a slam dunk they even go QB (Cutler/Glennon). If they do go QB then I’m hoping it’s Mariota. I don’t think Tampa citizens with daughters want Winston lurking in the darkness. Winston ,IMO, is a bad seed. Tampa is an awful franchise and you think they want that (Winston) as the face of the franchise? I bet they don’t.
Mariota should be the slam dunk here. Note: Smith tanking is the worst moment is Buccaneers history.
December 29th, 2014 at 10:59 am
Super Mario-Ta !!!!! To save Tampa Bay we need the Hawaiian duck
December 29th, 2014 at 11:12 am
Just think mariota will be the wrong pick and fear his flash will blind those making the pick.
Flash never lasts.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:14 am
Joes, why the heck would we draft the #2 QB prospect with the #1 draft pick?!?? That makes ZERO sense.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:16 am
full fledge gator fan here and let me say I’m 100% all in on Winston!
December 29th, 2014 at 11:16 am
Jameis explain the inthttp://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/florida-state-seminoles-oregon-ducks-rose-bowl-jameis-winston-speaks-122814
December 29th, 2014 at 11:16 am
Joes, why the heck would we draft the #2 QB prospect with the #1 draft pick?!?? That makes ZERO sense.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:36 am
Generally speaking college QBs from a spread offense struggle in the NFL. This is stated every single year and yet again every year people dupe themselves to believe that **THIS** time it’s going to be different.
See: Manziel, John.
I don’t give two *poops* what other GM/executive types say about one player over another. All I care about is what Jason Licht says about one player over another. Besides, from here on till the draft many of the so-called “experts” out there have a vested interest in certain players being drafted higher than others.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:44 am
Yes lets review the last skinny legged multi threat QB that was picked, how are those Redskins doing again? But please keep running down a pocket QB that is the only pro ready QB in the nation and BTW has never lost.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:46 am
The thing with Manziel is, not just do I think his style is unsuitable for the league, which, I understand Joe thinking he hasn’t had time to know one way or the other.
The bigger problem is, from multiple people including his own teammates, that he didn’t put the work in. If he isn’t putting it when he basically could have taken over the starting spot, why thing he would now? Late for treatment, after a throwing a party? Also, the rolled up bill in Vegas pic is more than scary.
So, when Joe and I agree on a QB (Winston), I cringe. Even more cringe-worthy? If TB had signed Freeman to a “team-friendly” extension.
W
December 29th, 2014 at 11:47 am
People, Mariotta is a system QB! Meaning that that the next guy that plays QB for OU will have the same type of numbers. Winston is the clear choice. I get that he threw a lot of ints this year, but i think that is a result of having to get use to different weapons and trying to hard. He knows how to read defenses and he is accurate. He also shows up for the big game.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:47 am
I predict that FSU gets beat by 20+ points on thursday and then everyone will want Mariota.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:48 am
Possible Quarterback Options For Buccaneers
(Outside the Draft)
Jay Cutler –
The Bears are unpredictable at this point. If Marc Trestman is fired, the new coach may prefer to keep Culter…or may not. Either way, only fools would take Cutler AND his $15.5m salary.
However, if the Bears just decide to eat the salary and cut him, he could become a valid option, unless Marc Trestman is hired by the coach as offensive coordinator. I doubt Marc would want him.
That’s all if we were to consider him a starter. If, on the other hand, he were brought in as a mentor and temporary starter as a rookie QB is prepared, talent-wise he would fill the role okay, but he really isn’t a good mentor. And I believe he will land a starting role somewhere, so I doubt he would like the situation in Tampa if we draft a QB.
Johhny Manziel
Johnny Football, Joe’s 2014 wet dream, could probably be had in trade for a mid to low round pick. He’s not actually the answer though. Aside from behavior issues, he is just too freaking short.
Dereck Carr
I admit it, I’m biased. But if the Raiders came to us and offered Carr and two firsts…I would be mighty tempted to take that offer. I still believe Carr is destined to be great.
We would get our QB and still have a first rounder this year for offensive line, not to mention an extra first next year. Tempting…but probably impossible. Still, with the number one overall pick, you never know what could happen.
Geno Smith
Rex Ryan is probably history with the Jets (and no, he would not be a good DC in Tampa), but with them getting a new GM and Coach, Smith might be sent packing. They would attempt to trade him, maybe to get a 3rd rounder. That said, he isn’t the answer for us. I didn’t care for him coming out of the draft, and so far as I am concerned, he hasn’t proven me wrong. There is the Rex Ryan/Jets factor though. They just plain ruin quarterbacks. Look at Sanchez. Coaching has destroyed a QB capable of going deep into the playoffs twice.
Mike Glennon
The MGM were told countless times that Mike Glennon was not the answer. There are still a few holding onto that hope. He may well be the answer…at the backup position.
It’s possible, even if the Bucs draft a QB, that Mike Glennon could be the starter at the beginning of next season. That would be his chance to prove himself, much like Brian Hoyer tried to do this year. It would be the first time Glennon wasn’t handed the role by default, and he would actually have to earn what he gets. Maybe that could drive him. Probably not. In all likelihood, he will be cut.
Robert Griffin III
Dan Snyder does not wish to move on from him, but that doesn’t mean he won’t. Washington has a top ten pick…they could trade it to acquire Cutler, if the Bears agree to take half his salary. Washington would then be willing to actually cut RGIII.
If this scenario plays out, it opens the possibility of the Bucs signing RGIII to start while they prepare their newly drafted rookie. They could keep McCown on as well, to mentor the rookie…and maybe RGIII as well. If RGIII finds himself and becomes great, we could either trade him or trade the rookie, or pull a Packers move and keep both like they did with Favre and Rodgers.
EJ Manuel
The Bills will probably try to trade him, or maybe even cut him. He isn’t the answer though.
Mark Sanchez
This prospect makes me wonder. He’ll be a free agent, and the overall concensus is that he sucks. However, his early record shows talent. I believe the jets organization kills quarterbacks, and so does Rex Ryan. The two combined? Deadly for QBs.
Sanchez moved on to the Eagles for a year, but Chip Kelly has a unique offense, and not one that is suited for Sanchez. It is possible he could rediscover his roots and become good again.
That said, is he the answer in Tampa? I give it a 65% chance that he isn’t the answer at starter. however, at backup? Hmmmn, now that is an entertaining thought. Think it through. He could start until our rookie is ready, perhaps even find a bit of fire left in the tank under the right Offensive Coordinator. He would come very cheap, and once the rookie stapes into his role, Sanchez could be a good backup.
Other Options
Jake Locker (injury prone, but flashes starting material), Michael Vick (NO! I rooted against him for years, and with good reason), Matt Moore, Shaun Hill, Tavaris Jackson, Christian Ponder (he has ties to Frazier, but I’m hoping Frazier will be fired), Jimmy Clausen, Colt McCoy, and Blaine Gabbert. None of these guys are a possible solution.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:52 am
Brian Hoyer will also be an option as a free agent.
Mind you, I’m not saying we should do any of these, I’m just talking about the various options that are out there.
December 29th, 2014 at 11:59 am
Mariota’s knee makes me nervous, along with him being unproven in a pro-style offense. He has talent, Alot of Duck QB’s have looked good until they hit the pros (Joey Harrington was a lock right?). Winston possess the superior resume, and ability. His numbers may be down but he is a proven winner and has a great resolve. If he comes out I think we have no choice but to draft winston. With our staff and community of current and former players, I believe it puts Jameis in a great situation. Its will come down to the game Thursday and how the do on pro-days and interviews. Early laeader without a doubt should be Jameis.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:07 pm
King clearly hates Jameis.
I don’t remember the last time there was so much hate for a kid coming out of school.
What happened to objective reporting?
December 29th, 2014 at 12:07 pm
If I was Winston or Marriota I would come out and say that I would not play for the Bucs.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
JSmalls Says:
December 29th, 2014 at 10:29 am
“I have to Mariota credit though, don’t know how he was able to produce such a great Junior season with having to juggle his course load of two classes – Golf & Yoga.”
Jealous? You know how he got to take those two courses this year? Because he took on a giant work load last year to fulfill his requirements. He has his degree he chose to stay another year and play football. Maybe Winston should do that as well.
“Mariota finished all of the required classes for a general science degree in three years, so he can take any classes he wants during his final college season. Instead of burdening himself with a ton of school work, he’s going practice football, do yoga, and golf. The golf and yoga classes meet twice a week.
He was able to pull this off by taking a ton of credits last year. Oregon coach Mark Helfrich talked about Mariota’s heavy course load last season at Pac-12 media day, saying:
He was taking all these upper division biology, upper division science. He had 20 credits and aiming to get done in time to graduate. It was just impressive. He’s managed his media obligations and still doing everything he has in the community, which is substantial by anyone’s measure.”
December 29th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
@zombiebuc,
I can say the same thing about FSU, right? Christian Ponder and EJ Manuel.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Winston declined this year with an easier schedule….Mariota improved. Mariota’s ability to read the defense before the snap is something that Winston hasn’t developed yet.
Winston’s tendency to play down to his competition is something to be wary of when bringing a guy to the next level. I’m not completely sold on either, but so far I think Mariota is the better choice.
QB’s are nearly impossible to predict. For every Andrew Luck there are 10 JaMarcus Russell’s.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:23 pm
I am obviously a Gator fan and let me preface this by saying Derrick Brooks, Warrick Dunn and Warren Sapp are some of my all-time favorite Bucs so this is not about the school of the QB but I think Winston would be an awful pick. He makes way too many throws into double and triple coverage because he thinks he is above everything and that has shown in his INT totals this year. The kid does not appear to be coachable and will get eaten alive with those type of throws in the NFL. I’m not saying Mariotta will be the better of the two but he seems to put a much greater emphasis on protecting the ball and he seems like a good face of a franchise off the field. I would rather hitch my wagon to that then to what Winston brings both on and off the field.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:24 pm
OK it’s clear Jameis has some off field issues that have NFL execs concerned. That’s not hating on Jameis it’s simply stating the fact.
Getting past that and narrowing it down to the field. Neither Jameis nor Marcus supporters make their case look any better by trying to slam the other QB. And sadly most of those slamming Mariota have obviously never watched him play very much.
Jameis is not without concern on the field as well as Marcus. Mariota seems to me to have a quicker release…Jameis slings it…Mariota is obviously more disciplined that Jameis and I think that lack of discipline is partially responsible for Jameis rash of interceptions this year.
And please stop with either of their records. Jim Fisher is the best recruiter in the land save for perhaps Nick Saban. The Noles are loaded. This coming class already has FIVE 5star recruits. Yes being undefeated is an accomplishment, but it would be far more impressive at South Carolina or Clemson than at FSU. Jameis has always been surrounded by the best college players in the land. One of them from last year is one of the best receivers in the NFL this year.
Both of these QB’s are prospects worth taking a gamble. But if I had a choice why would I EVER take Jameis. Even if I acknowledge he has some more upside than Mariota his downside compared to Mariota is just incredible. If Mariota is good enough to win, it won’t really matter how Jameis does.
Why would anybody connected with the Bucs put their future at risk for a 21 year old kid who demonstrates the maturity and discipline of a 13 year old.
He MAY be better than Mariota. He’s NOT that much better to take that kind of gamble.
Whoever picks Jameis will have a bullseye on their back. The first mess up and their reputation takes a huge hit for that gamble.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:29 pm
The jury should still be out for Winston/Mariota; the consideration should take its duly diligent time and all that, but can we agree with Peter on the uniforms? At least change the numbers on the uniforms? I don’t think that winning could even make them look good
December 29th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
“Suck for the Duck” – Mission accomplished.
NOW…
We just need to “Pluck the Duck”… First pick!
December 29th, 2014 at 12:32 pm
“schmuckaneer Says:
December 29th, 2014 at 12:22 pm
Winston declined this year with an easier schedule…”
That’s just not true.
http://www.tomahawknation.com/2014/12/23/7440643/florida-states-2014-schedule-much-tougher-than-2013
December 29th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
It is funny that people knock on Spread Offense QBs, but still want a Peyton Manning, a Drew Brees, an Aaron Rodgers, or a Tom Brady, but no no no no….Spread Offense bad. Those are the QBs that run a spread offense in the NFL. Why is it so hard to see that? Seahawks run more of pro style system than either of these guys. How often do you see Manning under center? Not very often, usually he is in the shotgun.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Which one makes your team better and which takes the whole team stepping up to overcome his in-game mistakes? Big plays are exciting but should be the icing on the cake not the cake.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:43 pm
I wonder if it will be like last year and not draft a QB?
December 29th, 2014 at 12:46 pm
@Soggy,
I think that would be the biggest mistake that L&L could make in not drafting a QB. Last year there was no QB to be had in the 1st rd (at least not worth it). This year there are 2 that are worth a 1st round. If they come out in the draft and Mariota should since he already has his degree. However, Winston may not and then there is only 1. O-Line and D-Line can be had in the later rounds.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:
December 29th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
It is funny that people knock on Spread Offense QBs, but still want a Peyton Manning, a Drew Brees, an Aaron Rodgers, or a Tom Brady, but no no no no….Spread Offense bad. Those are the QBs that run a spread offense in the NFL. Why is it so hard to see that? ”
I think you are interchanging spread offense with spread option offense. Besides maybe Rogers, do you see those guys look through a few reads then pull it down and run?
“The spread option is a shotgun-based variant of the classic triple option attack that dominated football well into the 1990s. Notable users of this offense include Rich Rodriguez’s Arizona Wildcats, Urban Meyer’s Ohio State Buckeyes, Mark Helfrich’s Oregon Ducks, Hugh Freeze’s Ole Miss Rebels, and Dan Mullen’s Mississippi State Bulldogs.”
December 29th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Dan Said:
Two, intelligence. Admittedly, I don’t know how intelligent Mariota is, but I’ve seen the interviews with Winston and the guy comes off as dumb. Like worse QB score on the wonderlic dumb. Dumb QBs don’t tend to last long in the NFL…aka Vince Young. To me, this is a no brainer, slam dunk pick. Don’t screw it up L&L!
___________________________________________________________
So everyone from Alabama is dumb because they talk slow? Dork.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:51 pm
@Joe
I’m still on a delay. I have not changed my username in over 4+ months, do you know my posts take so long to show up? It’s often over an hour or two before the show up.
December 29th, 2014 at 12:52 pm
Maybe we can trade Lovie to the Bears! 🙂
December 29th, 2014 at 12:52 pm
@Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston, Ya I want a QB too just not sold on what one, I guess the next OC will know?
December 29th, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Yea umm…..ok joe does not know QB’s!!! He begged and cried and pleaded for Johnny last year. Are you gonna do the same thing this year if we don’t pick the thief??
When it comes to being a responsible man Mariotta blows Jameis out of the water. I mean come on, the guy wrote and apology letter to the school and fans for getting a speeding ticket. Both players have a ton of talent. And until the Rose Bowl I will reserve my pick. But if the draft were today I would take Mariotta. He has the size, arm strength, goes through his progressions, even Tony Dungy (whose son plays for Oregon) said he sees him throw out of the pocket everyday in practice. The kid has it all and is a true leader of men.
That being said, Jameis is a great leader on the field. Just not off it. I realize he is a college kid, but that does not excuse the idiotic mistakes he has made and continued to make these past 3 years. He is a leader of one of the top programs in the country. Even being a kid does not excuse him from his immature actions. But the Rose Bowl game should be amazing and I cannot wait til Jan 1st!!!
December 29th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
“Mark, growing up? Winston is an academic all ACC in engineering switched from pre-med.”
These are lies spread by his father as public relations. The 2013 FSU Media Guide listed Winston’s as majoring in “Exercise Science” (Basically Sports Training), the 2014 Media Guide lists him as an undecided major.
December 29th, 2014 at 1:08 pm
@AmbushBuc, I saw he was in an Exploratory degree, which is undecided. He has no eyes on the future and can’t make decisions.
December 29th, 2014 at 1:16 pm
“Skyline Crew for Mariota or Winston Says:
December 29th, 2014 at 1:08 pm
He has no eyes on the future and can’t make decisions.”
You’re right. He’s only been planning to be a pro QB since he was 12.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9626566/florida-state-quarterback-jameis-winston-legend-making-first-seminoles-snap
December 29th, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Funny how ppl bash JW he is a prototype qb if u draft Mariota u have to either get the same O he played in or u gotta deprogram him from spread O which takes awhile just sayin
December 29th, 2014 at 1:22 pm
@StPeteBucsFan
That was very well said and laid out.
I pretty much feel the same, but a small part of me has reservations about Mariota. Very small.
The whole spread offense thing? I don’t care about. Get the right OC and he can be coached through it like Cam Newton was. His knee is my big concern. And the fact that historically, Heisman trophy winners don’t do well in the NFL.
Otherwise, I’m sort of leaning toward him.
With Winston, even if he was “cleared” of certain things, that doesn’t dismiss the immaturity of it all. People can say “it’s college, he was young” all they want, but the truth is, all of use were expected to be more mature at 20 years old, so why shouldn’t he?
And I think you are right about the bullseye. The people promoting the drafting of winston will later say things like “Lovie screwed up the pick! how could he not see it?? EVERYONE KNEW winston had issues!”
Joe aside of course. He wouldn’t react like that. But the fans here would.
On field, I view Winston as a Brett Favre type of gun slinger…or maybe Jake Plummer is a more accurate description. favre threw a lot of picks when he started, to the point that Holgrem (sp) wanted to bench him several times. Plummer was always known for throwing picks, but he also made up for it by scoring touchdowns and winning.
Really, now that I think about it, Winston and Plummer are very alike on the field.
Mariota? Hmmn. People say he’s like RGIII, but I don’t think so. I view him as more like Cam Newton. He’s a runner like Cam. He plays spread offense like Cam did.
I think those are pretty accurate descriptions of their on field talent.
December 29th, 2014 at 1:22 pm
@StPeteBucsFan
That was very well said and laid out.
I pretty much feel the same, but a small part of me has reservations about Mariota. Very small.
The whole spread offense thing? I don’t care about. Get the right OC and he can be coached through it like Cam Newton was. His knee is my big concern. And the fact that historically, Heisman trophy winners don’t do well in the NFL.
Otherwise, I’m sort of leaning toward him.
With Winston, even if he was “cleared” of certain things, that doesn’t dismiss the immaturity of it all. People can say “it’s college, he was young” all they want, but the truth is, all of use were expected to be more mature at 20 years old, so why shouldn’t he?
And I think you are right about the bullseye. The people promoting the drafting of winston will later say things like “Lovie screwed up the pick! how could he not see it?? EVERYONE KNEW winston had issues!”
Joe aside of course. He wouldn’t react like that. But the fans here would.
On field, I view Winston as a Brett Favre type of gun slinger…or maybe Jake Plummer is a more accurate description. favre threw a lot of picks when he started, to the point that Holgrem (sp) wanted to bench him several times. Plummer was always known for throwing picks, but he also made up for it by scoring touchdowns and winning.
Really, now that I think about it, Winston and Plummer are very alike on the field.
Mariota? Hmmn. People say he’s like RGIII, but I don’t think so. I view him as more like Cam Newton. He’s a runner like Cam. He plays spread offense like Cam did.
I think those are pretty accurate descriptions of their on field talent.
December 29th, 2014 at 1:26 pm
the only endorsement for mariotta I need is that the joes are hyping Winston. their history at predicting nfl success for qb’s is pathetic and I won’t even mention that guy in Cleveland.nuff said!
December 29th, 2014 at 1:30 pm
Love and Warrick Dunn Says:
December 29th, 2014 at 12:49 pm
“I think you are interchanging spread offense with spread option offense. Besides maybe Rogers, do you see those guys look through a few reads then pull it down and run?”
Nope, I was talking spread offense. Who runs a spread option in the NFL? I don’t usually see Rogers running to much either. Mariota will be great in a spread offense slinging the ball. He can take snaps from under center if need be, but with the WRs we have we can put up some major points. Imagine running an offense like GB, Den, or the Pats.
December 29th, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Mariota plays in Helfrich’s spread option offense. We don’t know how Mariota will do a true spread offense. He hasn’t played in one yet.
December 29th, 2014 at 1:49 pm
Personally I want Winston. I for one refuse to pass up on a talent like him because of a few immature antics he caused while in college. He’s a kid not a criminal. It is a widely accepted fact that Winston is (on the field) the better of the 2, heck he is better than just about every QB to come out in the last decade outside of Andrew Luck and Aaron Rogers. His Ceiling and floor are much higher than Mariota, His intangibles to be a strong locker room leader who doesn’t buckle under pressure will do wonders for this offense. Why in the world would you pass up on the single player who gives you the best chance of winning NOW!
You can say Mariota may become the better of the 2 down the road. But none will challenge the fact that Winston can come in and win in this league today! the only and i mean ONLY knock against this kid is his character concerns. And they aren’t that bad really!
December 29th, 2014 at 2:15 pm
Winston is better no question about it…. mariota is a huge project… but a great project.. we win either way… nfl ready is winston now though…
December 29th, 2014 at 2:26 pm
There is more than just a knock on his character. He play this year has regressed. If he has played all year like he did against GT then we wouldn’t have these questions, but he has been terrible at times and if it were for FSU’s defense and RB Cook, then FSU wouldn’t be undefeated.
December 29th, 2014 at 2:31 pm
that is an insult to bruce gradkowski
December 29th, 2014 at 2:33 pm
**weren’t for**
December 29th, 2014 at 3:29 pm
If Joe thinks it should be Winston, you can bet it will be Mariota.
December 29th, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Why the rush to decide now? With the first pick, the Bucs have plenty of time to do they research, interview and run them through whatever they want before making their pick. Heck, why let anyone know what they want until they turn the card in. Make the Titans sweat it out as well as everyone else. No rush…breathe, evaluate and decide in time. It isnt often you get more than 15 minutes to make a guaranteed pick. Now we can do so…
December 29th, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Well Said Patrick lol
December 29th, 2014 at 5:23 pm
I think everyone gives Winston too much credit. I’m not 100% sold on Mariotta either. Yes Winston’s team has not lost a game. That is my point FSU is a good team. I believe that many college QB’s could be undefeated with those teams. In 2013 FSU’s defense only gave up more than 20pts two times. A lot of offenses can score more than 20pts on the teams FSU played in 2013. FSU also put up over 2,000 yards rushing(that is minus Winston’s 219yds) for the year. Any armchair QB knows that the run sets up the pass. What would McCown do with an o- line that could produce over 2,000 yds rushing. Win games that is the answer. In 2013 he also had “safety net” Kelvin Benjamin, that guy probably turned 15ints into TD’s or 20+yd catches. 2014 Winston did not have as good as a defense and was missing a lot of rushing yards. He has not performed as well this year. The UF-FSU was I believe the best indicator what what what he would do in the NFL(UF was a terrible team but the closest to an NFL caliber defense he will face). He stunk the joint up. 181yds rushing for FSU 125yds passing. Yes he has had 4th quarter comebacks. Josh Freeman had 5, 4th quarter comeback wins in 2010 in the NFL. We all know how elite that guy is. I believe he is physically gifted but not elite. I truly think he is another Josh Freeman. All the physical tools, brains of mush. I will do my research on Mariotta now.
December 29th, 2014 at 6:05 pm
Call me crazy, but I think Mariotta should declare for the draft before that “draft card” gets handed in.
Knowing the way things have gone for the Bucs from Bo Jackson to Bill Parcells and Chip Kelly, there should be a real concern that neither of these QBs will declare for the Draft. If this happens, watch out…
December 29th, 2014 at 9:05 pm
Any franchise that drafts JaMarcus Winston will regret it very quickly
December 29th, 2014 at 9:42 pm
@Brett and BucBonzai
Well thought out posts guys. Probably what the Buc hierarchy is thinking as well.
December 29th, 2014 at 9:47 pm
Why draft crablegs when the legendary Johnny Football is available on the trade market? Then we could draft a pass rusher or trade down!
PLZ respond Joe I need your expert QB insight!!!