NFL Draft 2015: Jameis Winston is First Pick of Tampa Bay Bucs? [Rumors]

Currently, it seems that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are becoming more determined to acquire quarterback Jameis Winston in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Business Insider reported that the Bucs was previously deciding between Winston of Florida State and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. Tampa Bay will be the first to pick in the draft.

Reportedly, Bucs head coach Lovie Smith likes Winston over Mariota. Smith's favor is significant because when he was hired by the team before the 2014 NFL season, his contract contained a clause that provides him the final word over personnel decisions involving the Bucs roster. In the same Business Insider report, the Bucs also acquired Dirk Koetter partly because he preferred Winston over Mariota.

According to SB Nation, Winston is at number one in NFL analyst's Mike Mayock's position rankings for the 2015 NFL Draft, while Mariota is second in quarterbacks. Melvin Gordon from Wisconsin topped the running backs list. According to some, Mariota is the safer pick, but Winston is more talented.

Fansided reported that many sports analysts and fans expected Mariota to be the top draft pick but Winston is highly favored by the people whose decisions actually matter for the drafting teams.

During his initial two seasons at Florida State, Winston threw 7,964 yards, had 28 interceptions and 65 touchdowns. His pro-style offense in the past two years puts him ahead of Mariota, being taught how to anticipate opening windows, make progression-based reads and take snaps under center, based on a USA Today article.

Winston is 6'4" and 230 pounds. There is no question that he has more talent than Mariota but his decision off the field and the rape allegations may affect his potential to become the top pick. Winston was previously accused of rape, although he was found not guilty. The NFL teams who are interested in acquiring Winston may be doubtful that he will turn into another Johnny Manziel, whose off-the-field antics resulted to his dismal rookie year performance with the Cleveland Browns. Similar to Manziel, Winston has to improve his work ethic to become a true star.

When the Buccaneers replaced quarterback Josh McCown with Mike Glennon, talks circulated that the team will be using their first pick to get a new quality quarterback. Releasing McCown will also save the Bucs $5.25 million, which can be used to get more supporting players for their young quarterback, based on the same USA Today report.

Although Tampa Bay still has until April 30, 2015 to make a final decision, it is apparent that Winston is their most likely pick in the meantime.