Winston’s Likeness to Roethlisberger Will Sway Tampa Bay

January 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In 2004, then Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher, coming off of his worst season as a coach, picked Ben Roethlisberger, and the rest is history. Now, we have Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith coming off of his worst season trying to do the same thing. And like Cowher, Smith has a good roster that’s a Roethlisberger away from going to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, there’s a battle for which quarterback goes first in the 2015 NFL Draft between Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. Mariota has the questions about his ability to play in a pro style offense while Winston has the off-the-field issues. But I’m willing to bet anyone $10 to a glazed doughnut that Winston’s likeness to Roethisberger will sway Tampa Bay to pick him first.

For better and for worse, he’s just like Roethlisberger.

Turn the page for a closer look.