Arizona Cardinals: Thoughts on Jameis Winston and 2015 Draft
By Scott Allen
Sep 20, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) warms up before the game against the Clemson Tigers at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Clearly the way things are going, the Arizona Cardinals will be in no position to draft Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston should the quarterback make himself for the 2015 NFL Draft. However at this rate, I’m not sure anyone should draft him.
Let me just say this, I think unequivocally Winston has all the talent to have a long career in the NFL. These days though, it is a lot more than talent that will find you success. You also need to be an productive member of society.
Winston, who was suspended last week for a game for yelling inappropriate words up on table during a meal, has seen himself in a few incidents that leaves you scratching your head. Before you start in on me about being immature and just a kid, stop. Just stop. He clearly does have some smarts. He knows what he is doing. It doesn’t mean he makes all the right decisions. It’s alright to make mistakes but he makes big ones. Making right decisions though is a big part of being an NFL quarterback.
He’s been in trouble for shoplifting crabs from a grocery store. He’s been in trouble for allegations of sexual assault, something still being investigated by the school. The he came out in full pads for the game against Clemson. Who does that? You know what? I’ve never seen a suspended player do that. Never. Coach Jimbo Fisher chalked it up to miscommunication but seriously, he knew what he was doing. Winston somehow thinks because he has all this talent he can get away with things like that.
There was a poll of NFL general managers done this past week, none of whom would go on the record and understandably so, who said they aren’t sure they would draft Winston at this point. I believe it. So much to playing quarterback in NFL is being professional. You are the face of the organization, like it or not. People’s jobs are on the line and people are taking risks by taking him. He’s a public relations nightmare. I will never argue his playing talent. Winston needs to get it together and quick.