Terrelle Pryor: Embattled Star Seals Fate as Position Player in NFL

Terrelle Pryor ran a 4.41 second 40-yard dash.

That's right, a 6'5", 230-pound "quarterback," ran 40 yards in under 4.5 seconds—possibly even under 4.4 according to some reports.

We've always known that Terrelle Pryor is a better athlete than pure quarterback, but his Pro Day workout solidified all we need to know about his NFL future.

According to NFL Network's Albert Breer, there were 17 NFL teams present for the work out, a little over half the league. 

His numbers on Pryor came first hand, and he stated that the former Buckeye completed 27 of 39 throws.

But the best bit of information came via this tweet from Breer, "One thing I will say: kid throws it 75-80 yards with ease. For what that's worth."

"For what it is worth." This is all Terrelle Pryor's career as a NFL quarterback will be. And it is worth nothing.

Pryor is a freak athlete, plain and simple. His numbers at this Pro Day, his physical appearance, his highlights from college all scream one thing: athlete.

The best athlete on the field translates to the quarterback position in Pop Warner, high school and, in some cases, college. It doesn't, however, translate to the NFL.

And if Pryor wanted to play quarterback in the NFL, he just killed that opportunity. In fact, according to ESPN's Mark Schwartz (via Pro Football Talk), he even knows it and "is willing to move to another position."

The argument about being a quarterback can legitimately be put to bed.

The number of NFL teams boasting 6'5" wide receivers with sub-4.5, possibly sub-4.4 speed, can be counted on one hand.

The number of athletic quarterbacks that have failed, are still developing or simply gave it up, is much greater.

Ask Tim Tebow how his athleticism has helped him at quarterback so far. Or Troy Smith. Or Alex Smith. Or Vince Young.

Michael Vick has had success here and there, but even he has never led a team to the postseason in back-to-back years.

As it happens, all of these quarterbacks were collegiate winners with great numbers. Heck, two of them won the Heisman Trophy. Pryor won games and Pryor put up numbers, but like them it isn't nearly enough.

All of the aforementioned players were better "quarterback" prospects than Pryor when they came out of college, but they can't seem to get it to work either. Not yet in some cases.

If Pryor truly is receptive to making a move to wide receiver or tight end, whichever the NFL deems more applicable to his skills, it means two things:

One, no team that legitimately needs a quarterback will ever look at him. Once turned away from the quarterback path there is no going back.

Two, he'll have made the right decision for a potential career in the NFL.

Agent Drew Rosenhaus would have been able to sell Pryor as quarterback to some team, but he'll have a much easier time selling him as position player.

For all intents and purposes, Terrelle Pryor had a very good day today. He may never play quarterback in the NFL, but he's at least going to give himself a chance to be a player.