Advertisement

Brooks endorses Winston as Bucs pick

 
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after losing 59-20 to the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after losing 59-20 to the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
Published Jan. 31, 2015

PHOENIX — Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has convinced the best player in Bucs history he should be Tampa Bay's No. 1 overall draft pick.

The endorsement of Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks should carry some weight, even if he admittedly is biased as a former Seminoles All-American.

Brooks said Friday at Super Bowl XLIX that Winston will impress with his work ethic and football acumen.

"I believe he will show them his work ethic behind the scenes, as well as his knowledge of the game and the feel of the game," Brooks said. "I do hope he impresses them enough to pick him."

Winston, the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner who led FSU to a national title that season, finished his career 26-1. Winston and Oregon Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota are considered the top players in the draft. Winston could make an immediate impact because he played in a pro offensive system and is considered a more accurate passer.

"His resume speaks for itself," Brooks said. "He has done some impressive things that mimic the pros today."

Some have suggested the Bucs may be leaning toward Mariota. New Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is close to Oregon coach Mark Helfrich.

But Brooks is convinced that Winston will be the right quarterback for the Bucs.