The general consensus among so-called “gurus” at the moment is that Marcus Mariota will be the first quarterback taken in the 2015 NFL Draft — likely to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 1. According to Trent Dilfer, the Bucs would be making a huge mistake if they passed on Jameis Winston.
During multiple radio interviews this week, Dilfer made it clear that he believes Winston is a far superior pro prospect to Mariota. Dilfer said on 97.5 The Fanatic that he believes Mariota has a long way to go before he is ready for the NFL. He then compared Mariota to Winston during an appearance on The Michael Kay Show on Friday.
“If you look at Jameis on tape and you look at Marcus on tape, it’s really unfair to Jameis Winston to compare Marcus Mariota’s playing style to his,” Dilfer explained. “Mariota is a very good talent. He’s very gifted. He’s an awesome college football player and I expect him to be awesome (in the national championship game). He’s not even in the same conversation, when it comes to (being) pro ready, as Winston.”
It should be noted that Dilfer coached Winston at his football camp when Jameis was younger, so there is likely some bias.
“Jameis does pro stuff — throwing guys open, anticipating, manipulating the pocket, Plan B and Plan C throws,” Dilfer added. “You name it, Jameis does it. Marcus is a guy who’s incredibly good in a system that has total supremacy over everybody they play.”
Dilfer said there will be a “giant gap” between Winston and Mariota when the college football season ends and people start evaluating more tape. He also acknowledged that there is a “lack of wisdom and maturity” with Winston that could hurt his draft stock.
While Dilfer obviously has a history with Winston, he’s not only person who feels Winston is a better NFL prospect. When you look past all of the off-field issues Jameis has had, you see a big pocket passer who runs a pro-style offense at Florida State.
Winston also threw 18 interceptions this season, but NFL quarterback coaches can help with that. There are plenty of people who feel that Mariota benefits from a high-flying system at Oregon — one that doesn’t always work against NFL defenses. If Jameis can stop acting like a bonehead off the field, I would not be surprised if Dilfer ends up being right.
