1. A GAME-CHANGER AT NO. 1
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The Buccaneers have their pick of any player in this year's NFL Draft – it's just a matter of whom. The hopes are that the player selected first overall would be a key contributor in 2015.
All media outlets that have released mock drafts seem to agree that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston are the leading candidates for the Buccaneers at No. 1, though a third option for the team could be to trade down.
As of now, more media members believe the team will select Winston than Mariota. Of the 10 writers listed on Buccaneers.com’s mock draft, eight prefer the Florida State quarterback.
"Winston has some immaturity issues," NFL.com Daniel Jeremiah wrote, "but he has ideal size, arm strength and touch. He's ready to play Day 1."
ESPN's Mel Kiper added, "The bottom line is Winston is the most advanced on-field quarterback in the draft, and while the Buccaneers have a nice set of weapons for an emerging quarterback to utilize there's little evidence they have a future franchise quarterback on the current roster."
Why Mariota?
Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke believes, "He remains the No. 1 pick here because of the near-complete package of pure talent coupled with his advancements as a passer and a leader."
The No. 1 pick is valuable. If the price is right, and the Buccaneers don't feel that Mariota or Winston have the potential to be a franchise quarterback, the team could entertain offers to trade down.
A team that may considering trading up would be the Philadelphia Eagles, accoring to the Tampa Bay Times.
"(Eagles coach Chip) Kelly came from the University of Oregon, and the assumption is he would love to be reunited with current Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota," Tom Jones wrote. "Perhaps, he would offer a hefty package that would include a bunch of draft picks and quarterback Nick Foles for the top pick and the chance to draft Mariota."
Either way, whether the Bucs select Mariota, Winston or trade down, 2015 will be an exciting season to see how the pick, or traded players, perform.
