Jameis Winston’s case to go as the top overall pick in the NFL Draft is that much stronger after a solid pro day at Florida State Tuesday.
Winston was the final attraction of the trip for NFL scouts, including four representatives from the Buccaneers, owners of the No. 1 pick.
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Tampa Bay head coach Lovie Smith and GM Jason Licht stood nearest to Winston as he threw a lofty 102 passes to a host of receivers. After the workout, Licht said Winston’s performance was “outstanding.”
Winston felt confident in the work he put in, as well. Asked why the Bucs should make him the No. 1 pick, Winston replied:
"Becuase I'm the best player in the draft."
Throughout the workout Winston dodged objects thrown by quarterback coach George Whitfield and threw passes over tennis rackets and Whitfield’s famed brooms. He worked from under center and in the shotgun, mixing in deep, intermediate and short routes. The demonstration should help Winston in his comparisons to the other top-rated QB in the draft, Oregon’s fleet-footed Marcus Mariota.
“I showed that I can move within the pocket and outside the pocket and still throw ropes,” Winston said. “I lost some weight, got in my playing shape and made a run on it.”
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When asked to compare Winston and Mariota, Licht spoke more to the character and accomplishments of the two prospects than their attributes on the field.
“There are more similarities than differences because they’re both competitors,” Licht said. “They’re both winners, they both won a Heisman and they both have a lot of respect within their program.”
As for Winston, he was more focused on enjoying and maximizing his pro day than wondering if his name would be the first one called April 30.
“That would be a blessing to my family, to be the No. 1 pick, but I want to compete,” Winston said. “I would love the opportunity, but at the end of the day I just want a chance to compete and earn a spot anywhere.”
Winston went on to say a lot of Florida State fans would love to see him play his pro football in Florida, but he wanted to prove his abilities to more than just the Buccaneers.
Winston said: “I just came out here to make a statement and show the world … I showed them I’m the best quarterback in the draft.”
Regarding his travel plans on draft day, Winston said he’s likely to skip the draft in Chicago to stay home and watch the draft because his grandmother, who has Type-2 diabetes, is unable to travel.
“I want her to be there," Winston said. "I want the people who I've been with (since) Day 1 to be around me and enjoy this moment. It's a celebration to me and it's a once in a lifetime opportunity."