While certainly nothing is definite at this stage in the draft process, the Buccaneers are overwhelmingly likely to select Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick, according to Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune (Twitter link), who says the Bucs are “locked in” on Winston. A poor Pro Day showing by Winston won’t affect his draft stock, at least from Tampa’s perspective, adds Kaufman.
Here’s more from around the league…
- The Panthers are on the hunt for a No. 2 running back to plug in behind Jonathan Stewart, and Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer makes the case for Carolina to select Georgia running back Todd Gurley. Within the same piece, Person writes that the Panthers signing of receiver Jarrett Boykin last week doesn’t mean they won’t also add veteran Greg Jennings.
- In her latest mailbag segment, Tania Ganguli of ESPN.com explains why the Texans restructured J.J. Watt‘s contract, noting that the club could aim to re-sign a reserve like defensive end Tim Jamison, or extend a young player. Guard Brandon Brooks, writes Ganguli, is a free agent at season’s end, and could be in line for a multi-year deal.
- David Hunn of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch sums up the latest regarding the NFL in Los Angeles, profiling the newly-formed Committee on Los Angeles Opportunities, comprised of six NFL owners.