Terrelle Pryor and the NFL: What Is His Best Fit in the NFC West?

It seems that any time an available quarterback is floated around the NFL, the NFC West has two or three teams mentioned.  Now that Terrelle Pryor has stated he will not return to Ohio State, he is expected to declare for the NFL's supplemental draft in July.

There is a potential QB floating around the eligible halls of the NFL, but I'm not going to float two or three NFC West teams as potential landing spots.

Instead, I'm going to float the names of all four teams.  He'd offer a different dimension to each, but the NFL should receive a bid from each team for Pryor's services.

St. Louis Rams: Receiver, Backup QB, Wildcat Options

The Rams are obviously set at starting QB with Sam Bradford.  However, they don't have a backup in place should Bradford miss time.  

Pryor may or may not have the tools to be a starting QB in the NFL, but he most certainly adds a spark should the Rams need their clipboard-holder to step in.  

Spending a 2012 draft pick on a player that can act as a backup QB, add a weapon for Sam Bradford and provide some gadgetry options would be a solid move.  

In addition, Pryor would bring value running the scout team, as his athleticism would allow him to mimic most any QB the Rams will face in 2011.  

Arizona Cardinals: Wide Receiver, Competition at QB

The Cardinals already have two young QBs contending for their future hurler duties and may not be inclined to add a third competitor.  What they really need is a veteran to bridge the gap...along with some help at WR and on the offensive line.

Pryor would need some work to make the conversion to WR.  But 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 roles for the Cardinals.

It is doubtful that a fifth-round bid for Pryor would suffice, but the Cardinals should certainly offer it.  Their WR position will be in transition for the next few seasons, and having a player with Pryor's skills could certainly help fill some holes.

And having another body in camp in case John Skelton doesn't pan out certainly wouldn't hurt.

Seattle Seahawks: Slot Receiver, Developmental QB

Seattle needs a QB if they are going to return to prominence in the NFC.  

As much as some want to claim, Charlie Whitehurst isn't developing into a starting-caliber QB.  He still might, but a franchise isn't likely to turn to a 31-year-old QB that has never won a starting job.  

Instead, Pete Carroll and John Schneider will likely look to a young QB that can grow with the team in their retooling efforts.  

Pryor could be that QB.

Seattle has 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 Pryor 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.

Obtaining Pryor in the supplemental draft would also heighten their need to re-sign Matt Hasselbeck.  He could handle the QB duties in the short run and help with Pryor's development.

San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receiver, H-Back, Depth at Quarterback

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthe

Many analysts portray the 49ers as having the best talent in the NFC West, as they boast a great RB and one of the best TEs in the league.  They also drafted a potential replacement for Alex Smith, though there is no guarantee he will succeed.

Colin Kaepernick has elite athletic skills, and pairing him with a player like Pryor could offer some intriguing options for their offense.

Pryor lacks the size to be a true H-back, but his frame could likely carry some additional bulk.  He certainly has the running and receiving skills, though, to work into the 49ers offense.  

While front-office moves and a coaching change may help the 49ers get back to the playoffs, they still have talent issues on offense.

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.