Is Jameis Winston ready to become a top ten quarterback in 2017? One NFL network analyst thinks so.
For much of the last decade the Buccaneers have flown under the radar in the media. Rightfully so given how bad/mediocre they’ve been in that time. At some point over the last couple of months however, the team has transformed into a media darling and become everyone’s favorite pick for a sleeper team in 2017.
The latest praise comes from NFL Network analyst and perhaps closet Bucs fan, Peter Schrager. Schrager has frequently talked in positive terms about the Buccaneers in recent months, tabbing them as winners in both free agency and the draft. His latest proclamation comes in regards to the Bucs quarterback, Jameis Winston; Schrager boldly stated on Wednesday that Winston would be a top ten quarterback during the 2017 season.
“I think Jameis Winston will be a Top 10 player next season” @PSchrags on @TBBuccaneers QB Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) #GMFB
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 28, 2017
While top ten is definitely a lofty prediction, it’s more attainable than you might think. Through two seasons Winston has put up impressive numbers across the board, accumulating 8132 yards and 50 touchdown passes. If you wrote up a list of the top ten quarterbacks in the league, I think that the first nine are pretty easy. Brady, Rodgers, Brees, Luck, Carr, Wilson, Ryan, Stafford and Roethlisberger are safely ahead of Winston for the time being, but there’s an argument to be made that he could be that tenth guy. Is he better than Philip Rivers right now? Marcus Mariota? Kirk Cousins? Different people will argue for different guys, but you can at least see where Peter Schrager is coming from.
The fact that it’s debatable topic tells you how far Winston has come in a short time. Those of us that have watched Winston closely over the last two seasons have seen the young quarterback overcome talent deficiencies, a coaching change, and completely shift the culture of a team used to losing. He’s shown all the signs of a quarterback with elite potential despite less than ideal circumstances.
For their part the Buccaneers have done a great job recently of surrounding Winston with the tools necessary to propel him into the top ten this season. DeSean Jackson, O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin join Mike Evans, Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate to form one of the more impressive groups of pass catchers in the league, a group strong enough to nullify a potentially weak running game. If Winston holds up his end of the bargain his receivers will help him put up top ten quarterback numbers.
Next: Vince Young Takes A Shot At Ryan Fitzpatrick
Is Winston already a top ten quarterback? Maybe. Will he be a top ten quarterback this season? I think Peter Schrager is on to something, but what about you Bucs fans? Let us know in the comments!