The Bucs have the No. 1 pick and are expected to take controversial Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston unless another team makes a trade offer they can’t refuse. Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota also is expected to be one of the first players taken, and the possibility the Bucs could pick him can’t be ruled out entirely.
Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, led Florida State to the national championship after the 2013 season and the semifinals this past season. But he was accused of sexual assault in 2012, and though he was never charged, his accuser has filed a civil lawsuit.
Winston also was cited for stealing crab legs at a Tallahassee Publix store and suspended for a key game for a sexually explicit outburst in the student union area of campus. His defenders have dismissed his shoplifting citation and student union antics to immaturity, and the Bucs say they’re comfortable with taking Winston after conducting a thorough background check.
Mariota was the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner and led the Ducks to the national championship game in January. He has better straight-line speed than Winston and threw only four interceptions versus 42 touchdown passes last year, but he did not play in a pro-style offense at Oregon and, thus, is considered less ready to play immediately.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht said Monday there’s no benefit to reveal what their plan is at this time.
“Once again, we all feel very comfortable with where we’re at right now,” Licht said. He added the Bucs have spent weeks not only poring over game film and scouting reports, but doing extensive interviews to gather as much information as possible about the highest rated quarterbacks in the draft, as well as other prospects.
