Optimism runs high at this point in the NFL offseason, within both NFL front offices and each team's fan base, as it is natural to want to feel good about how your team went about improving its roster through unrestricted free agency and the draft.
But in reality, it is only now that each individual team is entering the most important phase of what I call the "program-building process," and that is the development and utilization phase. Building a roster is not just about acquiring the correct players -- it's about accurately identifying those draft prospects and free agents who best fit your team's character and skill profiles, and then having a well-thought-out plan in place for each player to maximize his chance at reaching his potential.
With these factors in mind, I identified the six best rookie-team matches from the 2015 draft. These players have the attributes both on and off the field that are a perfect fit with what each organization can provide in terms of coaching, scheme fit and off-field support. In short, I think these six rookies are well-positioned to succeed early in their careers with their new teams. Let's take a look at each one:
1. Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 1 overall pick)
I don't believe there were any transcendent prospects in the 2015 NFL draft who project as surefire successes in the pros. As good as Winston is, and even though he plays the most important position in football, he is going to need several things in place around him in order for him to be successful. Fortunately, I believe the Bucs have many of those pieces already in place.
