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Jameis Winston’s Stock For 2015 NFL Draft Very Much Uncertain

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By @jerry2landry

Jameis Winston NFL Draft Prospect

Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports

It’s not worth the sake of argument to say that Jameis Winston is falling stock. But it is arguable to ask “how far has Winston’s stock fallen?”

Winston is a transcendent athlete and may be the best Florida State Seminole quarterback this side of Charlie Ward. But as we’ve learned with JaMarcus Russell, on-the-field talent isn’t everything and surely cannot guarantee an NFL team dividends.

Is Winston’s issue one of immaturity? And if so, is it something he will grow out of? I believe it is, and that’s because Winston is an intelligent kid. According to seminoles.com, Winston has been on the ACC Academic Honor Roll the past two years, along with many other sources maintaining he had a high school GPA at or near 4.0.

Without condoning many acts he’s been alleged to commit, I believe Winston is a kid going through growing pains. He’s still learning to understand how important he is and is failing to realize that a Heisman Trophy winner can’t get away with the behavior of other, much less notable, 20-year-old college students — making stupid mistakes that are typical of more young men than we’re willing to admit.

Now if the assault and point-shaving allegations hold up, we have a different story entirely. These are beyond the mistakes of an immature young man. These are the tendencies of someone who truly believes they are invincible, carrying an air of contemptible arrogance. Especially since the case for stupidity has been ruled out.

This is typically what makes NFL GM such a difficult position deserving such a high salary. Winston could be your savior or your setback. He could blossom like Randy Moss or wilt like JaMarcus Russell. Or he could become a totally different scenario all his own, maybe even leave your franchise and play baseball professionally.

So do you take the risk of his character for the reward of his talent? Do you feel that Winston is worth the first-round investment?

I’m going to wait until April.

Jerry Landry is an ACC Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jerry2Landry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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