Marcus Mariota: 5 reasons the Buccaneers should select QB

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during the first quarter in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State Buckeyes defeated Oregon Ducks 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. No Major Character Concerns

First and foremost, the character concerns should freak the Tampa Bay Buccaneers out as the draft continues to draw closer. Jameis Winston has had his share of negative media, and that is always an issue for young players poised to take a major step forward and will have plenty more money and time to get in more trouble.

Winston has had quite a few issues away from the football field, and they are a major concern moving forward. He has been watched very closely of late, which has been both good and bad for him. At just 21 years of age, Winston is still trying to figure out how to grow up and it hasn’t been easy for him with all of the media coverage that he has had on top of him.

That being said, making the mistakes that he has made is serious and age cannot be given as an excuse. Tampa Bay cannot afford to bring a player with the character issues that Winston has back to a city like Tampa and expect him to be just fine with all of the new money that he is about to have.

Mariota, on the other hand, has had no negative press surrounding him. He has come off as a very mature quarterback and a very smart individual. That makes him a much more attractive selection in and of itself, and he will be much more likely to handle the scrutiny that the media will throw his way.

Next: 2. Poise in the Pocket