The first round of the 2015 NFL draft proved that if you're going to have character issues in today's NFL, you better be the best quarterback on the board.
Otherwise, good luck. You're going to tumble through or out of the first round. Or you could be LSU offensive tackle La'el Collins and be staring at the probability of going from a first-rounder to out of the draft entirely as police investigate the murder of your pregnant ex-girlfriend, even though you're not currently a suspect.
"I think there's a more heightened awareness [of character concerns]," Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said Thursday night. "I think you're just more conscientious that you're trying to get the best people in here possible."
Of course, the NFL draft is all about risk vs. reward. The tough talk about character has its boundaries. If you're Tampa Bay and you need the best quarterback at No. 1 overall, you select Florida State's Jameis Winston based on talent, try to convince the world that you're comfortable with the character and immaturity red flags and leave the allegedly squeaky clean Marcus Mariota on the board for Tennessee to take at No. 2.
Winston's most serious character issue involved being investigated — but not charged — for rape. He has been sued by the woman in the case and has had to answer questions about less serious juvenile behavior such as stealing crab legs at a restaurant.
Winston didn't attend the draft in Chicago. After the year NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had last year dealing with player misconduct issues and his multiple missteps in trying to deal with them, it's probably a good thing he didn't have to kick off 2015 by hugging Winston.
As the draft unfolded, it was obvious that teams were less willing to deal with character issues.
Nebraska defensive end/outside linebacker Randy Gregory? Still on the board.