2015 NFL Draft Rumors: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Could Have Surprising Plans For No. 1 Pick

The rumors are flying ahead of the 2015 NFL Draft, with increasing speculation that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could have surprising plans for the No. 1 overall pick.

For several weeks, reports have indicated that the Buccaneers are sold on taking Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the draft’s top pick. The Bucs are lost at the quarterback position, and many scouts have rated Winston as a can’t-miss prospect, making it a logical selection.

But in recent days new rumors have been swirling, indicating that the Buccaneers could have a huge surprise in store for the NFL Draft. Jon Gruden, an NFL analyst for ESPN and the coach who took the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title in 2002, said he believes Tampa Bay will stay put with Mike Glennon at quarterback rather than taking Winston.

“I don’t know who best fits Tampa Bay right now. It would be a tough decision if they go with a quarterback,” Gruden said, via the Orlando Sentinel. “I like Mike Glennon personally.”

Gruden said that both Jameis Winston and Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota — who is expected to go No. 2 — are strong prospects. But he didn’t see Tampa Bay taking Jameis Winston.

“Tampa Bay shocked me before,” said Gruden, who was fired by the Buccaneers in 2008.

There seems to be some backing for this 2015 NFL Draft rumor. There have been previous reports indicating that the Buccaneers are interested in trading the No. 1 overall pick, as it would likely take a lot for a team to move up to the top of the draft, especially with a franchise quarterback on the board.

Newsday caught up with an anonymous team source that said Tampa Bay is open to trade offers.

“You don’t shut the door on it until you have to. (The Bucs) appear willing to listen to offers.”

There have also been rumors circulating that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a bit wary of Winston’s off-the-field troubles. He was accused of sexual assault in 2012, but authorities declined to press charges. He was ultimately cleared by the university’s own investigation.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not the only team pushing along 2015 NFL Draft rumors. The Tennessee Titans are rumored to be looking to trade offers for their No. 2 pick, where Marcus Mariota would likely land. The Philadelphia Eagles are rumored to be working on a three-team deal that would also send quarterback Sam Bradford to the Cleveland Browns. Other reports claim that the Browns and San Diego Chargers are both interested in trading up for Mariota.

[Image via Getty Images/ Richard Schultz]