According to an ESPN report, Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will forego his junior and senior seasons and enter the 2015 NFL Draft.

Winston immediately becomes the lightning rod for the entire draft, possibly to the greatest extent that we’ve ever seen.

Former Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton and Johnny Manziel had off-the-field issues surrounding them, but not to the extent of Jameis Winston who has been investigated by police for sexual assault and shoplifting, by the NCAA for a potential autograph for money scandal and by his own university for all of the above including his on-campus conduct.

On the field Winston has tremendous football IQ, is a true leader and has always seemed to make big plays when his Seminoles needed him to make them, as evidenced by his 27-1 record as a starting quarterback.

Winston has an above average arm, good pocket mobility, moves to throw but is capable of running but has a tendency to throw into coverage and has an extended release.

He clearly has not just a star quality about him, but he’s also infamous.

“It will be all about the interview process for Winston,” an NFL executive told Football Insiders.  “His past can’t be completely overlooked but he has great tools and intangibles and if he can handle the tough questions and answer honestly he will be a high selection and could go as high as No. 1.”

If Winston could have remained in school for another year without getting into trouble it might have behooved him to do so in the eyes of NFL scouts.  With that said, in a quarterback needy league where you can make a legitimate case for no fewer than nine teams that need upgrades at the position, it is certainly in Winston’s best financial interests to come out now, especially considering that he had a “down” season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a difficult decision to make between selecting Jameis Winston with the top pick in the draft or Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.  They are in desperate need of a quarterback and Winston would appear to be more “NFL ready” assuming he can stay out of trouble as a young millionaire.  WInston is certainly the bigger risk, but he could also offer the bigger upside.  With a team that struggles mightily to sell tickets, a former FSU national champion, Heisman Trophy winner is a good way to help the Glazer’s push some stubs.

With an official announcement expected within the next 24 hours, it’s time for the biggest circus in draft history to commence.