Terrelle Pryor: 8 Predictions for His NFL Career

Predicting Terrelle Pryor's future in the NFL is about the most difficult assessment to make since, well, analysts attempted to predict what Cam Newton would offer an NFL franchise.  

One major difference, though, is the "Pryor Saga" has begun to collect collateral damage.  His status in the NFL Supplemental Draft is now in the hands of the attorneys, as his representatives continue to lobby Pryor's case.  

The problem here is there are five other players who have already been approved for inclusion in the supplemental draft.  These young men have already missed two weeks of training camp because of the lockout and now will miss even more time with their future NFL team.  The prolonged absence is hindering their ability to physically prepare for the season and impacting their opportunity to secure roster spots and depth chart placements.

Speaking of the lockout, fans seem to be taking sides with this issue in the same manner.

Those arguing against Pryor entering the NFL in 2011 claim his status hasn't changed since January, and therefore he isn't eligible.

The other side of this coin believes the severity of the allegations increased after draft declaration day, and new concerns with Pryor's use of questionably attained vehicles would have caused him to miss more than the original five games of the 2011 Ohio State season.

Then there is another perspective: This is all much ado about nothing, and Pryor should just start in the CFL...but more on that later.

Pryor's Draft Status Will Plummet If He Isn't Allowed in Supplemental Draft

While there are exceptions, NFL teams tend to be conservative when giving up blind draft picks for a player in the supplemental draft.  A team might be willing to use a mid-to-late third-round draft pick for Pryor in April.  But when casting a blind lot in August, that team would risk surrendering an early-round pick should their season unravel.  

That said, the 2012 NFL draft looks to be thick with talent at the QB position.  There are at least four quarterbacks with legitimate sights on being drafted in the first round, and four more who could be drafted before Pryor's name is called.

Had Pryor returned for the 2011 season at Ohio State and performed well, he could have made a case for being one of the first quarterbacks drafted.  That won't be the case now, sans a stunning run as a late-comer to the 2011 CFL season.  (This is not going to happen, as their season is already at the halfway point.)

A few teams might see an advantage to having Pryor in their system a year early, and one may surrender their fourth-round pick for him.  However, he could easily fall to the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft if he doesn't play football elsewhere in 2011...and play very well.

Update: The NFL declared Pryor eligible for the 2011 supplemental draft, making concerns for the 2012 draft irrelevant.  However, Roger Goodell still managed to hinder Pryor's draft value.

Pryor won't be eligible to practice or play during the first five games of the 2011 season.  Teams considering Pryor are likely expecting him to contribute this season; otherwise they may believe they are better off waiting for the 2012 draft with a stronger stable of NFL throwing arms.

It will be more difficult for him to provide a spark in 2011 with just two weeks of preseason action and then sitting for the next five weeks...six for the teams with a Week 5 bye (Cleveland, Dallas, St. Louis, Miami, Washington, Baltimore).

Pryor may be best-suited to join a team with a Week 6 bye (Denver, Tennessee, Kansas City, Arizona, San Diego, Seattle).  This would allow an extra week to integrate with the team following his suspension.  

A team with a strong need at QB may decide to take a flier on Pryor and offer a sixth-round pick for him.  They would have the advantage of watching him play over most of the season and make a better decision on his talent.  If Pryor's collegiate performance can follow him to the NFL he would be a great roster addition.

However, if the speed and small windows of the NFL game is too much for Pryor it is easy to move on and draft a QB in 2012.  Not to minimize a sixth-round pick, but most players taken there do not make a significant impact on NFL teams.  The potential reward is worth the minimal risk.

Pryor Will Only Play Quarterback as a Professional

There are several players who could have had a solid starting career at another position in the NFL but kept pressing to stick in the quarterback slot.  This has led to the demise of playing time for players such as Seneca Wallace and will quite possibly hamper the career of Tim Tebow.

There are also those who heeded advice and made a transition to another position, such as Antwaan Randle El, Josh Cribbs and even Michael Robinson (fullback, Seattle).

Pryor will fail to see the light and hold to his desires to throw the rock in addition to running with it and possibly catching it.

Pryor Will Be a Solid Backup QB in the NFL

Pryor has enough talent to intrigue teams, but he will need a lot of development to be able to hit the smaller openings in the NFL.  Because of this, his prospects as a solid starting quarterback are limited.

I do see Pryor holding to the "I am a quarterback, not a (fill in the blank), and I am sticking with trying to find a home in the NFL."  He will offer some teams some great options for trick plays, lining up in different positions on the field and becoming a threat to run, catch or pass the ball.

That is hardly a fitting career for a player of his athleticism, though.  He could have a more active career north of the border...

The CFL Would Be a Better Fit for Pryor's Style of Play

The best friend of an athletic quarterback with a big arm is an even larger field.  The CFL will reward a quarterback who can scramble to the outside and turn the corner...even more so if that same quarterback has the arm strength to get the ball downfield and to the sideline from the other side of the field.

Pryor's accuracy concerns limit his projections as an NFL starter.  However, his other attributes make him a great prospect for the CFL.  The league also offers larger windows for quarterbacks to deliver the ball through.  He could even become the first quarterback to take advantage of the running start in some creative trickery.

Pryor Will Throw, Run and Catch a TD Pass in the NFL...in the Same Game

While I can't find any official stats on this, I believe this would be a first in the NFL.  Perhaps a stat-junkie out there can offer some feedback here.

Pryor may also have a return for a touchdown, too...but I didn't want to be too outlandish in my predictions.  Who am I kidding?  This is where the predictions get a little "creative."

Pryor will be slotted into some creative scenarios, allowing him to show off what he can do in the open field with the ball.  A team with a creative offensive coordinator will find several ways of putting the ball in his hands.

Miami Dolphins Design a New Offense Around Pryor

How can a team that implemented a successful Wildcat offense step it up a notch?  Simple...draft Pryor, and build an offense to suit his talents.

The Dolphins have come out and said they have no interest in Pryor, but his athleticism could prove to be too tempting to pass up.  

Think about it...offensive formations such as the option, spread and Wildcat simply don't make it in the NFL, as stout defenses can cover them.  The defenders are faster and smarter, allowing them to snuff out those plays.

But what if a defense is always kept on its toes, and Pryor is running an offense that incorporates all three?  Pryor would be a threat to pass or run on every play, and he has tight end size, which should allow him to take a hit better than many quarterbacks.

It may not be the most prolific offense in the NFL, but it would sure be fun to watch.  

Terrelle Pryor Wins 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year

All Terrelle Pryor needs to win Rookie of the Year honors is a team with a solid cast assembled and no quarterback to run it.  Where might that be?

The Seattle Seahawks' most promising quarterback is undrafted free agent Josh Portis.  Tarvaris Jackson has been an up-and-down performer, and Charlie Whitehurst is best known for his prowess with a clipboard.

So why not spend a fourth-round pick and almost guarantee you land Pryor?  Should Seattle's changes on their offensive line not take (they have four new starters and added Tom Cable to coach the unit in 2011), Pryor can simply rely on his legs and turn running for his life into a yard-gaining art form.

Seattle can put six athletic players in the 6'5" range on the field in receiving positions at the same time.  Even if Pryor's accuracy is an issue, all he'll need to do is float the ball up to these players...something he's shown he's able to do on deep passes.

With Darrell Bevell's offense, Pryor could end up rushing for 1,000 yards and throwing for 3,000.  The offense could also run a series of trick plays, as he'd be one of three former quarterbacks on the staff (the aforementioned Michael Robinson and Jackson).  Perhaps that is a bit unfair...Jackson could still turn into a solid NFL quarterback.  Then again, so could Pryor.

Pryor and Cullpepper Sign with the San Francisco 49ers; Neither as a QB

While Daunte Culpepper appears to have been beaten out by Josh McCown for a chance at the San Francisco 49ers' emergency quarterback position, his opportunity to join the team may not be over.  

The 49er offensive line has had issues the last several seasons and so far doesn't appear to be on track for 2011.  They could also use some depth on the defensive side of the ball.  While he is currently a bit undersized (reportedly 265 pounds), Culpepper has a frame that should allow him to bulk up and play on either line.

This could be a good thing for the 34-year-old, as he might actually have less contact playing defensive end than at quarterback if the opening week performance of the 49ers is at all indicative of what awaits their quarterback.

Trent Baalke won't be done there.  He will use a fifth-round pick on Pryor and bring him in to return punts and kicks, be the fourth wide receiver and act as emergency quarterback.  This seems every bit as safe a bet as the trade for Ted Ginn, Jr. while offering some fan-friendly trick play options.  

Heck...Pryor could also line up as a second tight end with Vernon Davis, giving the 49ers the most dynamic duo imaginable at the spot.

This move would also save the $810,000 that will be spent on a quarterback most thought was already done in the NFL.  Actually, after playing in the UFL last season and going 1 for 6 for the Carolina Panthers in 2009, it may be safe to assume he is done in the NFL.