Terrelle Pryor: The 10 Best NFL Teams and Position Situations
The news hardly comes as a surprise, but Terrelle Pryor has announced that he won't be returning to The Ohio State University for his senior year. He is yet to confirm if he'll apply for entry into the 2011 NFL Supplemental draft.
His godfather and legal guardian, Willie Burns, commented that Pryor "says no one minute and then he may go the next."
Forgive fans if they again fail to be surprised when an announcement comes later this week confirming he has applied for inclusion in the 2011 NFL Supplemental Draft. The only speculation left on this topic is how high of a pick a team will be willing to surrender for his services, and what position they will target for the former Ohio State quarterback.
For more information on the decision and Pryor's compliance concerns: Pryor to Skip Senior Season.
Pryor offers an array of options on how he can be used in the NFL. While attempting to make the transition from successful college QB to signal caller in the NFL, he could also take some reps as an H Back or flanker.
Some believe he could make a transition to TE, but I don't understand the leap. He lacks the size, and would need time to bulk up his frame. Additionally, he has no experience as a blocker; it would take time for him to learn the techniques needed for high-reach blocks and kicking out NFL LBs.
He has the size (6'6", 233 lbs) and speed (40 times range from 4.36 to 4.59, but is consistently attributed to sub 4.5) to fill several options on an offense.
He lacks combine numbers, as well as a pro-day workout. This could impact what teams are willing to expend on him, and the ongoing lockout will keep teams from bringing him in to work out with their receivers and QBs.
While a team might have been willing to spend a second round pick on him in the 2011 draft if they could work him out more effectively, the highest he will likely command is a third round selection.
The anticipated deep talent in the 2012 NFL Draft will make a second round offer for Pryor possible, but unlikely, and many NFL experts estimate his value at a round-five offer.
I've left the Washington Redskins off this list, as I've lost faith in them making decisions that will improve the team. Some will wonder why the Arizona Cardinals are not listed, but I still believe they are hooked on John Skelton and are looking for a veteran QB to fill in the gaps.
While little of Pryor's announcement surprises me, I would be shocked if a team isn't willing to part with their fourth round pick in 2012; I fully expect a few teams to offer their third round selection.
Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver, H Back
1 of 10
This team on this list might surprise a few fans, but despite making moves to acquire Anquan Boldin and T.J. Houshmandzadeh last season, the Ravens still ended up in the bottom third of passing attacks and total offense in the NFL.
Derrick Mason had his 37th birthday at the end of last season and Houshmandzadeh isn't likely to return for the Ravens. For a team that is preparing for another playoff run, they are in dire need of playmakers.
Pryor would bring a different dimension to the Ravens. He's a risk, as the team would be asking him to play an unfamiliar position, but his ability to move with the ball and make plays should make him valuable to the Ravens.
They may opt for only offering a fifth round choice, but Baltimore should be offering something for Pryor.
Seattle Seahawks: Slot Receiver, Developmental QB
2 of 10
What list projecting a landing-spot for a QB would be complete without Seattle? My perspective here goes a bit beyond "Seattle needs a QB."
But to be fair, the first point is Seattle does need a QB if they are going to return to being a team that can compete in the NFC.
As much as some want to claim, Charlie Whitehurst isn't developing into a starting-caliber QB. He still might, but what franchise wants to hand the offense to a QB that becomes a starter for the first time at the age of 31 or 32? That doesn't sound like the direction Pete Carroll or John Schneider would go.
Instead, they will want a young QB that can grow with the team in their retooling efforts. Pryor could be that QB.
In addition, they have an offensive coordinator that values mobility and athleticism. Darrell Bevell liked those attributes in Tavaris Jackson, and Pryor certainly would offer similar skills. He is also a better passer.
While giving Jackson an extended "interview" as a QB, the Seahawks could use his talent to work out of the slot in 2011. Brandon Stokely filled that role for much of last season, but he is likely headed into retirement. Seattle has Golden Tate and former QB Isaiah Stanback that can offer help at the position as well, and Stanback offers options for trick plays.
But neither offer the range, athleticism and throwing ability of Pryor. Given Seattle's proclivity for looking for athletes, Pryor makes sense for them with a fourth round offer. I believe a third round pick would be too much, though, as Seattle is likely going to hoard draft picks in 2012 to make a run at a different QB.
This would also heighten their need to re-sign Hasselbeck to handle QB duties and work with Pryor.
San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receiver, H Back
3 of 10While Pryor lacks the size to be a true H Back, he has the running and receiving skills to work into an offense in unique ways.
The 49ers have been poised at the steps of the NFC playoffs for years, but haven't been able to open the door. Fans are hoping that the selection of a new QB and hiring of a new coaching staff will provide the impetus to get them there.
While front office moves will help, the 49ers still have talent issues on offense.
Despite having a great RB and one of the best TEs in the league, their top WR has been inconsistent...and they haven't grown the position behind Michael Crabtree (no offense to the 49er faithful, but Josh Morgan is still unproven and Ted Ginn, Jr. is a return man).
The 49ers would be remiss if they didn't offer at least a fifth round pick for Pryor.
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Green Bay Packers: Wide Receiver
4 of 10
Packer fans likely realize the team could use some more depth and talent at the WR position. Yes, they have a great receiver in Greg Jennings, but Donald Driver doesn't appear to be an every down WR any longer.
Jordy Nelson shows flashes of potential, but has also had issues with ball control. Randall Cobb was taken at the end of the second round, and will offer some versatility. However, a third or fourth round offer could net them a talented playmaker with several uses in their offense.
For a team looking to repeat as NFL Champions, getting another talented player for 2011 using 2012 draft capital could be too good to pass up.
New York Jets: Wide Receiver, Wildcat QB, Return Specialist
5 of 10
The Jets have some issues in free agency. Most namely, their top two WRs and their return man/trick play artist are exposed.
Santonio Holmes may be more likely to return in 2011, as Braylon Edwards has had his fair share of issues. They are almost inseparable relative to a number one or number two WR, and one of them will likely be gone.
Brad Smith worked well as a returner and taking snaps as a Wildcat QB. However, moving place kicks back up to the 35 yard line could limit the impact Smith has in the return game. Pryor would be an obvious upgrade in snaps from the Wildcat formation.
Is it worth letting Smith walk, and signing one of the two free agent WRs, and spending a third or fourth round pick on Pryor? He is certainly worth a pick at the end of the fourth round, but will he still be around? A third round offer might not even get it done for the Jets, but don't be surprised if they are willing to pony up that pick.
Uncertainty at the offensive skill positions may lead the Jets to make a bold offer for Pryor. And if Mark Sanchez doesn't develop as hoped, Pryor could be waiting in the wings.
Chicago Bears: Wide Receiver, Depth at Quarterback
6 of 10
Todd Collins isn't the threat he once was, and Caleb Hanie is an uncertainty for a backup QB...despite his showing in last season's NFC Championship game. The Bears could certainly use another talented body backing up Jay Cutler.
The Bears' bigger issue if they are to compete again in the NFC is whom Cutler will be throwing the ball to. They have Johnny Knox at the #2 WR position, but nobody deserving the top spot. The Devin Hester experiment has come up short, leaving the Bears in need of some talent at the offensive skill positions.
While Hester may have a bit more speed, his talents are on the defensive side of the ball. Pryor could become a legitimate threat with the ball and get the Bears over the hump in the NFC.
They should expect to be drafting late again in 2012, making a round-three offer within the realm of sensibility. If any team offers a second round pick, it could be the Bears.
Oakland Raiders: Quarterback, Trick Play Artist
7 of 10The Raiders will continue to give Jason Campbell an opportunity to develop into a solid NFL QB...and well they should. However, the pending free agency loss of Bruce Gradkowski could leave them a bit thin at the position, as few talent scouts will see Charlie Frye or J.T. O'Sullivan as starter material if Campbell doesn't flourish.
While honing his skills as a QB, Pryor could also be used as a trick play specialist, similar to how Seneca Wallace has been used. Lining up as a receiver, he is a threat to take a CB down-field and make plays with his speed and height. He can also be used in bubble screens, or take a lateral and throw the ball 60 yards down-field.
For a team looking to take the next step in the AFC West, and possibly lacking the offensive line to do so, Pryor makes a lot of sense for the Raiders. A fourth round offer should be forthcoming from the Raiders.
Indianapolis Colts: Quarterback
8 of 10
The Colts offer the best opportunity for Pryor to assimilate into the NFL and become a starting QB. He can spend a few years being mentored by Peyton Manning and learning what it will take to transition into the NFL. He can also offer some help at the WR position, as the Colts have struggled there at times with depth.
This may not be the best avenue for the Colts, though. Manning looks to have several years left guiding their offense, and they would likely have to surrender their third pick in the 2012 NFL Draft to beat out other suitors in the supplemental draft.
However, this would be an ideal situation for the Colts. Similar to the New England Patriots risking a third round pick on Ryan Mallett, the Colts would have a talented athlete that could take reps at QB and run the scout team for a year.
Depending on his development, he could continue down the path at QB or convert to a receiver and Wildcat option.
Buffalo Bills: Quarterback, Wide Receiver
9 of 10
The Bills seem to have a viable QB in Ryan Fitzpatrick. At just 28-years-old, he could offer years of solid performance at the position.
At the same time, 2010 could have been a one-hit-wonder, similar to Derrick Anderson a few years ago in Cleveland. The Bills have nothing after him on the depth chart, making Pryor a sensible pick for a team looking to improve in many areas.
The Bills are also severely lacking talent at the WR position. Pryor would be a question mark here for similar reasons that come with making the transition to QB in the NFL.
However, Buffalo would be warranted in taking the risk that they can find a slot for Pryor and build 10 or so offensive plays a game around his skill set.
My apologies to Bills fans, but what do they have to lose? Offering their third round pick would most likely seal Pryor up in the chess match that is the supplemental draft.
Miami Dolphins: Quarterback, Wildcat, Trick-Play Artist, WR, RB, Mr. Everything
10 of 10I still have fond memories of the Dolphins, and loved watching them and Larry Csonka play when I was very young. I appreciated what Dan Marino offered the team and the NFL, and would like to see the Dolphins sail back out of the water for a reason other than jumping the shark.
So Dolphin fans, I say this with respect for your team and organization...you need some help. You need a QB that can get the ball to Brandon Marshall. You need a WR that can take some pressure off Marshall, and you need to replace two RBs. You need a spark on your offense, and someone that will give fans a reason to show up on Sundays.
The Dolphins need Terrelle Pryor.
He can step in and actually be a dual-threat QB to run the Wildcat Offense. As mentioned, he has the arm strength to stretch the field and get the ball to Marshall, and his size and speed makes him a threat to run or run an option.
I don't believe a Wildcat team or an option offense can succeed in the NFL. However, if a team can run them both, while still running a straight-up offense, they can be lethal in this league.
If the Dolphins are sincere about challenging in the AFC East, it is time for them to make the effort and make a third round bid for Pryor and hope it is enough. If any team steps forth with a second-round pick, it would likely be the Dolphins.
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