Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston belongs in the NFL.
He’s got the measurables: 6 foot 4, 230 pounds.
He’s got the tools: Strong arm, solid mobility for his size.
He’s got the credentials: National champion and the youngest ever Heisman Trophy winner. But has he got the intangibles?
“There are so many things that come with the position,” Super Bowl XXII MVP Doug Williams, now a personnel executive for the Washington Redskins, told RantSports. “You’re talking about the face of an organization. You’re talking about leadership and character.
“There’s no question about his (football) ability,” Williams adds. “It’s the character part. The key is, what has he done, and will he do it again?”
To that end, NFL executives are always evaluating “red flags.”
Winston has many: Investigations related to shoplifting, inappropriate use of a BB gun, compensation for autographs and sexual assault.
“It’s not one issue, it’s multiple issues,” says one NFC personnel executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “You can live with the stolen crab, but the sexual assault for the face of a franchise?
“No thanks.”
Added one college scouting director, “He’ll go through the wringer.”
Winston has been enabled and protected. His coach, Jimbo Fisher, constantly defends Winston, and there have been several stories suggesting that even local authorities in Tallahassee have gone to great lengths to ensure Winston doesn’t get into serious trouble.
But if Winston doesn’t clean up his act, he could become another talented athlete who squandered his potential.
Adam Jones nearly made that dubious list.
The 6th overall pick out of West Virginia in 2006, Jones had a litany of issues and played just two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Jones says he’s thankful that camera phones weren’t as prevalent when he was in college and early in his pro career.
“What you used to be able to do,” Jones says, “you can’t do no more.
“He a kid, man. He’s goofing around, and some of the things he’s done have been blown out of proportion and some of them are just dumb ass decisions he’s made. He’s a great talent, and I think he’s a good kid. I just hope he doesn’t blow it, man.”
Former Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson reached out to Winston but has turned away from him.
“I really don’t know who is giving this young man guidance,” Jackson said on the Jim Rome Show earlier this month. “If I give you advice on something that I know more about than you… if you can’t take that advice and learn from it, then I’ve got nothing else to do with the situation.
“You’re on your own.”
Williams crossed paths with Winston three times earlier this year at banquets. He was impressed with Winston’s engaging personality.
“He’s personable, smiles, and he knows how to deal with a crowd,” Williams says. “Some of the things that have happened, I’d be lying if I didn’t say it surprised me, after getting to know him a little bit.”
Winston enjoys being around his peers, being in the “in-crowd,” Williams says. But that must change.
“Being under the microscope, there are things he can’t do,” Williams says. “These young guys think they’re invincible.
“I have a 22-year-old son who sometimes tells me, ‘You don’t understand…’ I tell him, ‘When I was your age, I thought my daddy was dumb, too.’ But the older I got, the more I realized my dad had a PhD in common sense.”
A quarterback pioneer, Williams says he was fortunate to have good role models around him: his older brother, his parents, and his coach at Grambling, the legendary Eddie Robinson.
“He preached every day about being good Americans, not going out there and doing crazy stuff and blaming other people. That’s part of the reason I was able to stay away from a lot of the (negative) stuff.”
Here’s the thing: Williams listened.
Will Jameis?
On the first day of workout drills, there were plenty of storylines on and off the field. Here are the biggest takeaways from 2015 NFL Combine on Feb. 20. Read More
With the NFL scouting combine in full swing, here are 10 questions every team should ask players at the combine. Read More
If you believe you're going through football withdrawal, check and see if you suffer from any of these symptoms. If any apply, see a doctor near you. Read More
The Arizona Cardinals made their first playoff appearance in five years last season. Fans should expect another one in 2015, and here are some teams they may have to face. Read More
For a long time now, the New England Patriots have lacked good depth behind Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich. This offseason, they must finally address that need. Read More
The Miami Dolphins posted a disappointing 8-8 record and missed the NFL playoffs for yet another year. Here is how their opponents shape up for the 2015 season. Read More
The Cleveland Browns are smart to consider trading for St. Louis Rams' Sam Bradford, but they shouln't bank on landing him. Read More
The St. Louis Rams have to figure out their quarterback situation, but that's not all they need to fix. Here are five Rams free agency rumors you need to know. Read More
Georgia RB Todd Gurley refused to have his surgically repaired knee examined at the NFL Combine. Here's why the decision will not impact his draft stock. Read More
A custom Chargers-Raiders jersey isn't the worst idea, but it might as well be after looking at this photo. Read More
If Jameis Winston is not at 100 percent, not throwing at the combine wouldn't be the worst idea. Read More
If the Detroit Lions can assuage their Dallas hangover from 2014, here are the five teams that could give them playoff headaches in 2015. Read More