Who Should Tampa Bay Draft #1 Overall

[TheVolta]

Originally Posted by Viking6

The Bucs GM would be FIRED on the spot for that deal.

You do realize the Rams got 3 1s + and a 2nd round pick to move back from 2 to 6. That would be the starting point for any team outside of the top 5.

Cutler is worth absolutely nothing right now on the trade market.

No team is going to get three firsts and a second for #2 ever again. We all know that was for the player, not the draft position. So that point is moot.

[SportsAutoFreak]

I'd pick Mariota. Remember last year when Manziel was being mocked for the top pick? Look at how he's behaved since draft day. Unless Winston grows up really fast, he's bound to struggle no matter how much talent there may be.

[lionsfan20]

Originally Posted by SportsAutoFreak

I'd pick Mariota. Remember last year when Manziel was being mocked for the top pick? Look at how he's behaved since draft day. Unless Winston grows up really fast, he's bound to struggle no matter how much talent there may be.

There is a BIG difference between Manziel and Winston's off field issues. Winston obviously takes the game very seriously and works very hard at his craft. He switches to game mode when playing and there is no sign of immaturity in that area. Manziel would constantly taunt other players and joke around during games acting like a spoiled brat. He did not take the game seriously even when he made it to the NFL and he admitted that. That is not the issue with Winston. It's really not a good comparison.

[Viking6]

Originally Posted by TheVolta

No team is going to get three firsts and a second for #2 ever again. We all know that was for the player, not the draft position. So that point is moot.

Hogwash. Franchise QBs are valued over EVERYTHING.

If Andrew Luck was in this draft you bet your ass any team would surrender 3 1s+ for him. Probably more than that.

The Bucs would be stupid to trade out of the top 5 for anything less than 2 1s + multiple other picks. Come on... the Bills traded an extra 1 for a WR. I would bet you anything you want it happens again in next 10-15 years.

[TheVolta]

Originally Posted by Viking6

Hogwash. Franchise QBs are valued over EVERYTHING.

If Andrew Luck was in this draft you bet your ass any team would surrender 3 1s+ for him. Probably more than that.

The Bucs would be stupid to trade out of the top 5 for anything less than 2 1s + multiple other picks. Come on... the Bills traded an extra 1 for a WR. I would bet you anything you want it happens again in next 10-15 years.

For Andrew Luck, of course. But he's a generational talent, that's very different. If it happens again it will be in 10+ years, teams will be too weary of how it turned out for Washington.
If Tampa gets three firsts and a second for #1, I'll pay you $5.

[The Card Album]

With so many weaknesses, they should probably try to shop the #1 pick.

[fullmetal]

Originally Posted by tke1600

I don't think Tampa tanked the last few games to trade down the pick, so I almost left the "other" option out of the poll. They need a QB and to me it's pretty interesting since Winston is the better QB, imo, but has the off the field issues, while Mariota might need work but is a poster boy for who you would want as a leader.

The off field issues seem enormous if the only news one has access to is the mega media outlets. The truth behind these stories is more relevant and you know that the NFL scouts know where to seek the truths.

Example: look at the scathing articles about FSU leaving the field after the Rose Bowl without meeting at midfield. Alabama did the same thing because both teams were instructed by the bowl officials to leave the field so that the stage could be assembled for Oregon and Ohio State. I didn't see one news outlet report that truth. They only reported what they wanted. I assume had FSU gone to midfield, the articles would have read of how bad FSU is at following directions. FSU was the enemy of all and the media loved it.

[Scottish Punk]

I think people are underestimating how hard it is to trade down in a draft. Granted it is a bit easier now that there are salary ranges attached. Tampa would ask for at least the teams 3rd or second round this year, their first next year, and probably another mid round pick or two to swap 1st round picks. That is a lot to give up to move up a couple of slots. Price would only get steeper outside the top 5.

[blackbears86]

Originally Posted by SportsAutoFreak

I'd pick Mariota. Remember last year when Manziel was being mocked for the top pick? Look at how he's behaved since draft day. Unless Winston grows up really fast, he's bound to struggle no matter how much talent there may be.

I agree---Winston is definately more NFL ready than Mariota. But the off field issues are tough to ignore...from the crab legs to the alleged "sexual assault" to the jumping on a table in the cafeteria and screaming f#*k her right in the P*&%y!" (what kind of person does that?) That is seriously weird...In my wildest college days I would never dream of saying something like that in a crowded cafeteria.

I'd like to hear how he answers that at the combine.

[asujbl]

How much money are you willing to risk on a guy that's a monster between the lines but a crazy person outside of it?

That's really what it comes down to.

It's a risk vs. reward based on money.

Because at the end of the Winston is the better prospect as they enter the Draft.

[sigmachi]

I love Mariota. I think he can succeed at any system. He is one of the best pure athletes at QB that we've seen in awhile. He's almost always the fastest guy on the field, great size 6'4 225, incredibly intelligent, accurate, competitive, coachable. I would bet at him succeeding because the kid's just a winner. The people that knock him because of this or that are reading too many ESPN articles...just watch him play and listen to the NFL scouts talk about him. His biggest knock, according to a NFL scout, is that he's too nice. Yeah i'll take that. I hope the Titans get him.

[swise0121]

Originally Posted by sigmachi

I love Mariota. I think he can succeed at any system. He is one of the best pure athletes at QB that we've seen in awhile. He's almost always the fastest guy on the field, great size 6'4 225, incredibly intelligent, accurate, competitive, coachable. I would bet at him succeeding because the kid's just a winner. The people that knock him because of this or that are reading too many ESPN articles...just watch him play and listen to the NFL scouts talk about him. His biggest knock, according to a NFL scout, is that he's too nice. Yeah i'll take that. I hope the Titans get him.

Bingo. I can see him being a Russell Wilson type. He's actually bigger and faster with a comparable arm. I think he'll do pretty good in the NFL. I guess we'll see. He'll get his shot somewhere no doubt.

[bedler]

Bucs can thank my saints for giving them Mariota

[CardMonopoly]

For those saying Tampa should trade down, the question is who will want to trade up to #1 and who will that team pick???

[cadillac540]

Originally Posted by bedler

Bucs can thank my saints for giving them Mariota

We earned it!

[ITLSJXW8]

Originally Posted by lionsfan20

I don't think many of you here have actually watched Mariotta or just don't know much about the difference between college and pro offense. Mariotta is not a pro style QB he is just a very athletic system QB. Where is the last great Oregon QB at right now?? In the AFL I believe because he was not an NFL level QB. Their offense has been great ever since this system was in place no matter who the QB was. If he is drafted #1 he would not be ready to just plug and play he would need at least a year or so to develop as an NFL QB and there is no guarantee that will happen. Winston already runs a pro style offense and can and does make NFL type throws all the time. Listen to every draft or prospect analyst and they will say the same thing. If Tampa wants the best QB in this draft then they should take Winston #1. If they have other more pressing needs or want to hold out for another QB next year then they should trade back and gain more picks to shore up other areas.

100% this. Winston makes NFL type throws and his read progression is insane. IMO he is the most talented QB coming out since Peyton. On the field, the only thing to knock him for is his reliance on Rashad Greene. That may have been because all the other main WRs were true freshmen or kept out of summer camp because of legal issues (Bobo Wilson). But that is his only real on the field knock. Hes a surprisingly smart kid who makes some surprisingly dumb decisions but on the field he is everything you want from a young QB.

Mariota is hurt at the next level by the type of system Oregon plays in. And to Oregon's credit it is incredible how they scheme guys to be so wide open. But it is simple in its base with very few reads.

Mariota could be good, but Winston could be great. I know who id rather have.

[Birdmandig]

Originally Posted by cadillac540

We earned it!

#winning

[danfan1]

Originally Posted by ITLSJXW8

100% this. Winston makes NFL type throws and his read progression is insane. IMO he is the most talented QB coming out since Peyton. On the field, the only thing to knock him for is his reliance on Rashad Greene. That may have been because all the other main WRs were true freshmen or kept out of summer camp because of legal issues (Bobo Wilson). But that is his only real on the field knock. Hes a surprisingly smart kid who makes some surprisingly dumb decisions but on the field he is everything you want from a young QB.

Mariota is hurt at the next level by the type of system Oregon plays in. And to Oregon's credit it is incredible how they scheme guys to be so wide open. But it is simple in its base with very few reads.

Mariota could be good, but Winston could be great. I know who id rather have.

Winston the most talented QB since Peyton?
That is laughable. Luck is already an elite top 5 maybe 6 QB, Russell Wilson is not what I'd call great but id take him over Winston all day and twice on Sunday. I think Winston is a decent QB but not the best since Peyton. I just don't imagine Winston or Mariota being a major factor for any team in the NFL. The Bucs need to see what options they have at trading down before deciding to select either of them. They need a ton more work than at QB

[Niels50]

Originally Posted by lionsfan20

I don't think many of you here have actually watched Mariotta or just don't know much about the difference between college and pro offense. Mariotta is not a pro style QB he is just a very athletic system QB. Where is the last great Oregon QB at right now?? In the AFL I believe because he was not an NFL level QB. Their offense has been great ever since this system was in place no matter who the QB was. If he is drafted #1 he would not be ready to just plug and play he would need at least a year or so to develop as an NFL QB and there is no guarantee that will happen. Winston already runs a pro style offense and can and does make NFL type throws all the time. Listen to every draft or prospect analyst and they will say the same thing. If Tampa wants the best QB in this draft then they should take Winston #1. If they have other more pressing needs or want to hold out for another QB next year then they should trade back and gain more picks to shore up other areas.

Quoting this for future reference.

[HBMC]

Originally Posted by ITLSJXW8

100% this. Winston makes NFL type throws and his read progression is insane. IMO he is the most talented QB coming out since Peyton. On the field, the only thing to knock him for is his reliance on Rashad Greene. That may have been because all the other main WRs were true freshmen or kept out of summer camp because of legal issues (Bobo Wilson). But that is his only real on the field knock. Hes a surprisingly smart kid who makes some surprisingly dumb decisions but on the field he is everything you want from a young QB.

Mariota is hurt at the next level by the type of system Oregon plays in. And to Oregon's credit it is incredible how they scheme guys to be so wide open. But it is simple in its base with very few reads.

Mariota could be good, but Winston could be great. I know who id rather have.

Winston might be one of the more physically gifted QB's in quite some time (way better athlete than Jamarcus Russell), but his baggage and decision making on the field makes him in a much lower tier than a Elway, Peyton or Luck IMO.

[arkeeper]

Originally Posted by ITLSJXW8

100% this. Winston makes NFL type throws and his read progression is insane. IMO he is the most talented QB coming out since Peyton. On the field, the only thing to knock him for is his reliance on Rashad Greene. That may have been because all the other main WRs were true freshmen or kept out of summer camp because of legal issues (Bobo Wilson). But that is his only real on the field knock. Hes a surprisingly smart kid who makes some surprisingly dumb decisions but on the field he is everything you want from a young QB.



Mariota is hurt at the next level by the type of system Oregon plays in. And to Oregon's credit it is incredible how they scheme guys to be so wide open. But it is simple in its base with very few reads.



Mariota could be good, but Winston could be great. I know who id rather have.

Did Peyton have the second most interceptions in Div 1 the season before he went to the NFL?

[ninjacookies]

I really like that Mariota stayed all 4 years...so you know he's matured, and tested.

Additionally, he probably has the best attitude/work ethic of any qb coming out. He may not be the most gifted, but I'd be hard pressed to envision him being a complete bust or even unworthy of a first round selection.

Those comparing him to Russell Wilson? About the only thing they share in common is their ability to scramble. Mariota has pro style height all day everyday, and arms like Dhalsim. He just needs to avoid unnecessary hits as his frame still isn't quite there yet. Then again...look at Matt Ryan.

[lionsfan20]

Originally Posted by HBMC

Winston might be one of the more physically gifted QB's in quite some time (way better athlete than Jamarcus Russell), but his baggage and decision making on the field makes him in a much lower tier than a Elway, Peyton or Luck IMO.

Winston had 40 td's to 10 int in 2013. He had 25 td's to 18 int in 2014. You really think that his on field "decision making" went from great to terrible in one off season?? lol. It had nothing to do with decision making. He is a pro style QB anticipating throws and throwing wide receivers open. Only difference between 2013 and 2014 are the receivers Kelvin Benjamin, Kenny Shaw, and Rashaad Greene. Those 3 receivers were not freshman and knew how to run routes and knew where they were supposed to be. His receivers this year as mentioned earlier were not even close to as experienced and talented. The only receiver he had this year that had any experience and knew the timing and routes was Greene. Winston did make a few more mistakes this season due to the fact that they were losing half of their games this season coming in to 4th quarter and he pressed a little more at times than last year.

[Brafcauknid]

Originally Posted by sigmachi

I love Mariota. I think he can succeed at any system. He is one of the best pure athletes at QB that we've seen in awhile. He's almost always the fastest guy on the field, great size 6'4 225, incredibly intelligent, accurate, competitive, coachable. I would bet at him succeeding because the kid's just a winner. The people that knock him because of this or that are reading too many ESPN articles...just watch him play and listen to the NFL scouts talk about him. His biggest knock, according to a NFL scout, is that he's too nice. Yeah i'll take that. I hope the Titans get him.

I do read espn articles....but I watched Mariota play a half dozen times this year. He is throwing to receivers that a lot of the time dont have a defender anywhere near them. He is accurate....which he should be since the vast majority of his throws are short passes, and there is a noticable LACK of accuracy in his mid range and deep passes.

I didnt see him make a true nfl tight window throw in any game I watched. That said, he is a great kid and has all the tools, but he is going to need some time with the right staff around him to teach him the nfl game. He has been basically playing arena ball up to this point. He starts anytime in year one and nfl db's are going to eat him alive.

[HBMC]

Originally Posted by lionsfan20

Winston had 40 td's to 10 int in 2013. He had 25 td's to 18 int in 2014. You really think that his on field "decision making" went from great to terrible in one off season?? lol. It had nothing to do with decision making. He is a pro style QB anticipating throws and throwing wide receivers open. Only difference between 2013 and 2014 are the receivers Kelvin Benjamin, Kenny Shaw, and Rashaad Greene. Those 3 receivers were not freshman and knew how to run routes and knew where they were supposed to be. His receivers this year as mentioned earlier were not even close to as experienced and talented. The only receiver he had this year that had any experience and knew the timing and routes was Greene. Winston did make a few more mistakes this season due to the fact that they were losing half of their games this season coming in to 4th quarter and he pressed a little more at times than last year.

Decision making also encompasses "pressing" (it also includes off of the field nonsense which is why teams don't want anything close to a problem child with the #1 Overall Pick), I will cut him some slack that his receiver corps was definitely truncated outside of Greene, but some of the throws also he made were real head scratchers too. Should be fun to see Winston and Mariota at the combine.