Interview with the Enemy – Draft Edition: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston throws a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

HN: Is it a foregone conclusion that the Buccaneers select Jameis Winston first overall. Are there sections of the fanbase clamoring for Marcus Mariota, is there the potential for a trade down to amass an RG3 like haul or is it full steam ahead with Winston?

JM: I would say that the Buccaneers taking Winston is very, very, very likely, but I still wouldn’t be all that shocked if they took Mariota instead. And there are definitely people who would be happy to hear Mariota’s name called on April 30. I think they are the people who cannot shake their concerns about his previous off-the-field issues or believe the comparisons to JaMarcus Russell. Both of which are very understandable. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter what another team offers for the No. 1 pick, they cannot take it. The Bucs have a need to address at quarterback and they have the opportunity to pick from the two best quarterbacks in this year’s draft.