Miami Dolphins Quarterback Preview: Terrelle Pryor Is a Worthwhile Investment

I've only heard questionable things about Terrelle Pryor. No, not the questionable things that we've recently discovered like: he sold out his coach, sabotaged his team's chances for a National Championship, or took a huge chunk out of his personal integrity (however, one can survive in the NFL without much of this). 

Let me go down my own personal memory road for just a moment. One of my best friends played on the offensive line at UCLA in the '90s, back when they were relevant—back in the days of Cade McNown. I was able to attend family/friend events so I was able to meet most of the players and coaches, which was a blast for a guy who was playing NAIA football. 

I met Cade McNown, I heard about Cade McNown. Terrelle Pryor reminds me of him. Pryor is bigger, faster, stronger and just a great college player. While McNown's antics in college never destroyed a head coach or season, the same complaints have been fielded by both quarterbacks: 

1. "Me first" attitude. 

2. Cocky and arrogant, not overconfident.

3. Players scoffed at their quarterback's overall attitude. 

Cade McNown was a top-flight quarterback at UCLA. Those UCLA teams (1997 and 1998) went 20-4 and were in the National Champs consideration until they ran into the buzz-saw that was the University of Miami. Cade McNown was then investigated for point-shaving (he was released of any charges) and then caught, along with several other UCLA players, using an illegal handicap parking permit. 

Cade McNown was a one-time Miami Dolphin. Not a good investment. 

Terrelle Pryor, on the other hand, is a much better investment (no matter which veteran QB the Dolphins decide to invest in). Chad Henne needs to be caught in the middle, he needs the pressure. I've always thought that.

No matter what I hear Pryor say, he was the top flight athlete who helped gut this once-fine Ohio State program. His head coach was fired because of him.

And he is still definitely worth a third-round pick in the supplemental draft.

This is a young, immature quarterback who lost his sense of direction and got caught up in his hype. He has been humbled. I don't think his humbling experience is over. No matter who drafts him, he will probably have to sit on the bench until he is ready—unlike most Round 1 picks in the NFL draft, who get to see the field often. Pryor will simply be a supplemental draft pick. This meant something in the '80s, but not so much now. 

I've heard him apologize to Ohio for his behaviors. I've heard him want to move forward and free Ohio State of as much pressure as possible. This is both honorable and self serving. 

I would give a third-round pick for a first-round QB. Pryor was a first-round QB in this past draft. However, he will need work; he will be a second- or third-string QB until it is time. 

I think having Vince Young as the starter and Terrelle Pryor as his backup is a good thing. 

Or maybe it's just me.