<
>

Jameis Winston, Buccaneers ready for pro day

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Jameis Winston will get a chance to show what he does best today.

The quarterback will be taking part in Florida State's pro day and the eyes of the NFL will be on him. That's especially true of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold the first overall pick in the draft. Winston is expected to do throwing drills and the Bucs are expected to send a big contingent of scouts, coaches and front-office employees.

The entire league already knows Winston can throw the ball quite well. But the questions about Winston go beyond football. He has had several off-the-field incidents that have given rise to questions about his character.

The Bucs have done extensive homework on Winston off the field and it doesn't appear as though they've been scared away. Co-chairman Joel Glazer said last week that ownership is fine with the Bucs drafting Winston or Oregon's Marcus Mariota.

Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith has said it's not erroneous to assume Winston will be the pick. Co-chairman Joel Glazer has said ownership is fine with the Bucs drafting Winston or Oregon's Marcus Mariota.

Pro day is a chance for Winston to further his case for going No. 1. He already has worked out at the scouting combine and took a pre-draft visit to One Buccaneer Place. The Bucs also plan to have a private workout with Winston in April.

For Winston, pro day is just another step in the process. He should have no problem there because he already has demonstrated he can make all the throws.

Some teams still may have concerns about Winston's character. But the Bucs have answered those questions already.

As long as Winston performs well on the field today -- and off it between now and the draft -- he seems destined to be taken at No. 1.