NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL 2019: Predicting results for ‘prove-it’ year quarterbacks

By Randy Gurzi

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams greets Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys after the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams defeated the Cowboys 30-22. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Jared Goff #16 of the Los Angeles Rams greets Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys after the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 12, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Rams defeated the Cowboys 30-22. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Right before Tennessee drafted the Oregon product Marcus Mariota, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found a quarterback of their own as they took Florida State’s Jameis Winston first overall. While Mariota came in with questions about his style of play, Winston came in with much more serious red flags to consider.

More from NFL Spin Zone

Winston had several off-field concerns which ranged from something as small as him stealing crab legs from a grocery store to him being accused of sexual assault. Tampa Bay felt comfortable enough to make him their pick still, but he showed he just didn’t get it as he celebrated his selection by posting a picture of himself with crab legs. Sure, the whole issue with those was overblown but the fact he would post that showed he was tone deaf to the criticism about his maturity.

Things haven’t been perfect either for him in Tampa. Last season the Bucs had to start the year with him suspended after he was accused of groping a female Uber driver. He then lost his job twice to journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. He did win that spot back but was 3-6 as the starter and is now 21-33 for his career.

This season will be huge for Winston’s career as he looks to become the first ever Bucs quarterback to get a second contract. Helping him will be new head coach Bruce Arians who has a history of getting the most out of his quarterbacks. If anyone can help him take the next step, this seems like the guy.

Prediction: Winston plays well enough to get a shot in 2020 with Tampa Bay, but it will be on the franchise tag as they remain understandably cautious.

Home/NFL