STRENGTHS

A two-year starter at Florida State, Jameis Winston won a national championship (2013), a Heisman Trophy (2013) and his teams lost just one game during that time—in the 2014 playoffs to Oregon.

Winston is a smart, instinctive, tough quarterback. He has the arm strength to make every throw at a high level, showing enough depth and velocity to hit deep outs and throw a 20-yard-crosser on a line. Winston anticipates routes well and is confident to throw the ball before his receiver breaks off the route.

He’s been asked to throw through tight windows and executes with accuracy and touch. He understands how to vary the speed on his passes as needed. When throwing at every level, he’s shown the arm strength and accuracy needed to excel in the NFL. The FSU offense asked Winston to make NFL-style throws, and he produced.

Winston is great under pressure and consistently led FSU back from halftime deficits in 2014. His ability to process halftime adjustments and produce in the second half is among his most impressive feats. Winston has enough agility to move in the pocket, and while he won’t win any races, he’s quicker than fast and can move to avoid rushers. Teammates and coaches rave about his leadership.

Winston is just 21 years old and will be throughout his rookie year.

WEAKNESSES

Winston tries to do too much at times, which is what led to his 18 interceptions as a redshirt sophomore. He struggles to adapt to underneath coverage and was baited into turnovers there, throwing six interceptions on poor decisions. Winston isn’t a great athlete and can get caught in the pocket. He has a throwing motion—albeit improved—that can get a little long.

A loss of talent on the FSU offense—notably Kelvin Benjamin, Devonta Freeman and Bryan Stork—led to Winston trying to do too much with the ball. Once the offense settled down with Cam Erving at center and Dalvin Cook at running back, his play improved.

Off the field, Winston has issues to work through.

He was accused of sexual assault in 2012 but was never charged by Tallahassee police or punished by the school after an internal review. In 2012 Winston was handcuffed at gunpoint and interviewed by police after being implicated in a BB gun fight that damaged an apartment complex. In 2014 he was cited for shoplifting after stealing from a Publix grocery store. FSU suspended Winston for the Clemson game in 2014 after he yelled an obscene phrase inside the student union.

PRO COMPARISON: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Big, strong quarterbacks who gamble with the ball a bit but have amazing toughness and leadership skills, Winston and Ben Roethlisberger play the position similarly. This is a best-case scenario comparison, but the potential is there for Winston to have a career like Big Ben.

2014 STATISTICS

Passing Yards: 3,907
Touchdowns: 25
Interceptions: 18

FINAL GRADE: 7.50/9.00 (Pro Bowl Potential)