Attacking players to fit a narrative February 3, 2015 by Gil Arcia 
At some point of our lives we have all tried to find facts or opinions to back up our own narrative. Is there anything wrong with that? Absolutely not. It’s how our stories are created. However, there are moments where it may go too far. Let’s take myself for example. Some view my takes on Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston as biased. I can see that especially when those saying so feel that Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota is their guy. But they fail to read my takes thoroughly, how I have consistently referencing that the Buccaneers need one of the two as they need a quarterback even though I think Tampa Bay should select Winston with the first overall selection.That’s not the same for others.National Football Post’s Greg Gabriel (also a former NFL scout) has broken down Both Winston and Mariota. There is no right or wrong answer in anyone’s opinions, but something very wrong stood out in Gabriel’s breakdown of Winston:While I wouldn’t draft Winston in any round, there will be a few clubs that will take the risk and be willing to draft him high.Not drafting him “in any round” is the first I have seen of this. Even those that have Winston rated below Mariota have him going somewhere else in the Top 10 even with referencing off-field concerns.Gabriel’s latest on Tuesday also did something I try to tell many not to do, and that is compare two players. In his article, Gabriel references Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel’s (constant) problems off the field to Winston.In the months leading up to last year’s draft, we all saw the warning signs that Manziel may have some problems. Many chose to ignore them. The Manziel backers were all saying it was just immaturity and he will be fine. The backers, like they usually are, were wrong.Manziel’s problems lead me to a quarterback in this year’s class: Jameis Winston. While Manziel and Winston don’t have the same issues, they both have issues. In fact. if you look at Winston closely, his issues far outnumber Manziel’s issues when he was at Texas A&M. Whether you care to believe it or not, Jameis Winston has problems. He has shown it over and over again while at Florida State. Florida State chose to ignore those issues because Winston won football games. The fact is, Jameis Winston has never been held accountable for anything his entire life. He does what he wants, when he wants, and how he wants, whenever he pleases.Again, it’s Gabriel’s opinions and there is nothing wrong with it. But what he actually says is what is wrong. There is a failure of detailing those issues he finds with Winston.Manziel’s problems were constant throughout his college career. From partying, to drinking, to issues surrounding attending class, you name it he had it. And his latest admittance into rehab isn’t the first time, he did it while in college as well. A timeline of things Manziel went through can be found here.And even though there were obvious problems with Manziel, several still said he would be drafted in the Top 10 of last year’s draft. One of them was Gabriel, who didn’t mind Manziel being drafted last year.Manziel’s immaturity off the field is well documented and the team that drafts him has to be sure that he will buy into their program. The one thing I do know is that on game day, Manziel is as competitive a player as you will ever see. Scouts have told me that he has matured in the last year and his game preparation and leadership were much better in 2013 than in 2012. I think there is a lot of “special” to Manziel and he will be a very good NFL player. It would not surprise me to see him drafted in the top-five. He could very well be the first quarterback selected.Comparing the two couldn’t be more wrong as well as it is unfair to both athletes. However there are several that do so. Could Gabriel have something personal against Winston? Perhaps there is another underlying issue with Winston Gabriel chooses not to address? I’d like to think someone’s personal views wouldn’t cloud anyone’s judgement and be able to view things on both sides of the fence, but that’s just me.Bottom line, there is no harm done in publishing the words of one’s feelings. But it does become a problem when your own views contradict each other.I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Gabriel. I’m sure he is a great person. Unfortunately, when you are fine with one player’s off the field problems one year then target another player’s problems the following year and compare them side by side, it looks bad.Follow @GilArciaTBClink
