It is widely assumed, and for good reason, that the Buccaneers are locked in on Florida State’s Jameis Winston with the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
But since they’re giving themselves a month before they declare, they have to look at others too, and that means doing research on the other top quarterback in this year’s draft.
According to Albert Breer of the NFL Network, the Bucs are sending a five-man contingent to Oregon to work out Mariota today.
Specifically, General Manager Jason Licht, head coach Lovie Smith, director of player personnel Jon Robinson, offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and quarterbacks coach Mike Bajakian are making the trip. Licht, Robinson and Bajakian were also on hand for his pro day workout in mid-March.
The Bucs have also brought Mariota in for the meet the parents sessions with ownership, and have given every indication they’re seriously considering him.
Of course, a cynic would simply suggest they’re waiting to see if Winston screws up again in the next month, at which point they would simply move onto the next quarterback on their list, one which they have appropriately vetted beforehand.