Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, meet the new franchise savior. As if it were ever in doubt, Lovie Smith and Bucs brass clearly identified Jameis Winston as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft well before festivities kicked off in Chicago. His on-field talent is undeniable, but whether Winston can rise above some of his off-field missteps will determine his success and how long he will hold the keys to One Buccaneer Place.

His off-the-field transgressions notwithstanding, Winston displayed leadership, poise and clutch ability while quarterbacking the Florida State Seminoles to a National Championship in 2013 and the College Football Playoff in 2014. Winston became the youngest player to ever win the Heisman Trophy in 2013. He finished his college career with a record of 26-1 as a starter, having completed 562-of-851 passes (66 percent) for 7,964 yards, 65 touchdowns and 28 interceptions.

Non-believers will point to the fact that Florida State plays in the ACC, not the SEC or Big 12. Winston played eight collegiate games against top 25 opponents. His combined statistics during those games: 178-of-268 (66 percent), 2,659 yards 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. During those games, Florida State outscored opponents 322-187.

Reports out of Bucs camp indicate that Winston has already made a good impression on teammates and coaches alike. He has been arriving at 6 a.m. daily for weightlifting and conditioning while putting in 12-hour-days. His work with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian has impressed. On the football field, words like “savant” are being used to describe his ability to break down defenses.

It has never been about his ability to perform on the field. With a sexual assault allegation, a BB gun incident and infamous incidents at Burger King and Publix on his off-field resume, the Bucs would be wise to watch their investment closely. Is Winston an immature kid who has learned from his mistakes and will continue to mature? Or is he a player who will find himself on Roger Goodell‘s exempt list for violating the personal conduct policy due to another unfortunate transgression?

Training camp will be the next big indicator of the path Winston will take, and either way, it will surely be entertaining.

Jake Miller is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JakeMillerNFL.