2015 NFL Draft Profile: Jameis Winston, QB FSU

Jameis Winston is the biggest name in the 2015 NFL Draft. But that’s not necessarily a great thing. Although he’s been a successful quarterback at Florida State, many folks only know him from the jokes about stealing crab legs, a sexual assault allegation, and other off the field issues.

While there are reasons to doubt his character and his maturity, it’s hard to knock his game. His ability to scan the field and accurately deliver passes under pressure is what makes him such a special prospect. But with that kind of talent comes confidence, which Jameis Winston might have a bit too much of at times, forcing throws into a right window instead of taking what defenses give.

January 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) runs against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In what is considered a weak draft class for quarterbacks, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota will benefit from playing a premiere position in the NFL and be taken with very early selections in the 2015 NFL Draft. But a team willing to look past a couple off field problems could get themselves a very talented quarterback if the decide to take a chance on Winston.

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’4″
Weight: 231 pounds
Arm Length: 32″
Hand Size: 9.375″
40 Yard Dash: 4.97 seconds
Vertical Jump: 28.5″
Broad Jump: 103″
3 Cone Drill: 7.16 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.36 seconds

Draft Projection

Jameis Winston is CBS Sports’ #2 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft and is their #1 quarterback listed. They compare him to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Meanwhile, NFL.com sees more of Eli Manning in Winston.

Fit For The Vikings

Quarterback is a position of need for the Vikings, as they are scheduled to lose their third string passer Christian Ponder to free agency this year.

My Take

While Minnesota will look for a quarterback in free agency or the NFL Draft this year, I do not expect the player to get to a a high profile name. Instead, expect a mid to low level veteran passer in free agency or a mid to late round draft pick. With Teddy Bridgewater returning to start for the Vikings and Matt Cassel as his backup, using a first round selection on a quarterback makes little to no sense.

Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015

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