Buccaneers’ Five Best First Round Picks of the Millenium

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
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January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Irvin quarterback Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3) passes the football during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Irvin quarterback Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3) passes the football during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jameis Winston

It has only been one year, but he deserves to be on this list.  Winston, as you all know, was selected by the Bucs’ in the first round of the 2015 draft.  A trip to the Pro Bowl is a quick look at an excellent first season, and a sign of things to come.  He wasn’t perfect, but three game-winning drives and two fourth quarter comebacks show maturity that isn’t often part of a rookie quarterback’s arsenal.

After some character questions as he entered the NFL, some were concerned that Winston would have the attitude to be successful.  He gave us a rookie season showing the world that he “gets it”.  Overall, he posted 22 touchdowns through the air and six on the ground, versus 15 interceptions.  He proved he could be a pocket passer, which college quarterbacks that run often can’t prove.

There are only good things to come.

Next: Number Four

Schedule