Jets' Michael Vick on Jameis Winston: 'I think he's the future of the NFL'

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston will be one of the most polarizing prospects the NFL has ever seen when he turns pro, but New York Jets quarterback Michael Vick can be counted among his supporters.

"He may make some poor decisions, but he gets on that football field and he plays his ass off," Vick said Friday, according to NJ.com's Darryl Slater. "Yeah, he can mature. He'll mature. I see him maturing as time goes on. Like, this year hasn't been as bad of a year as the first year was for Jameis. I think the kid will continue to improve. I think he's the future of the NFL."

The Jets will be one of several teams in search of a quarterback in the upcoming draft and - should Winston declare - his fit in New York will be a key talking point heading in.

As Vick wraps up his first season with the team, he concedes that it would be tough for a young quarterback to succeed in a big market if he isn't surrounded with some more experienced players.

"I think it's hard," he said. "I think his support cast just has to be around him. You can't put him in a room with a group of young guys. The more veterans around, the more he'll pick up on things and he'll mature quickly. That's the trend I've been around since I've been in the league."

Big market or not, Winston's fit with every team will be in question given some of the off-field problems he's had throughout his collegiate career.

As Vick indicates, surrounding him with a strong supporting cast and veteran players would go a long way toward helping him make a smooth transition to the pros, and make use of his incredible talent.