In 2016, the Cleveland Browns were easily the worst team in the NFL. However, one bright spot on the roster was wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. Pryor was a go-to receiver last season, even though he was never expected to be. Pryor came into the league as a quarterback but failed miserably in his efforts as a signal caller. However, his two-year transition to wide receiver has been nothing short of beautiful.
The Cleveland Browns cut Pryor in 2015, as he just was not ready as a receiver yet, but something clicked in 2016. Pryor became Cleveland’s number one option and amassed over 1,000 yards on the season. The former Ohio State Buckeye will be turning 28 this season and is about to enter his physical prime. If the Browns want hope for their future, they must keep Terrelle Pryor on the team.
The Cleveland Browns Must Keep Terrelle Pryor
Safety Valve
Pryor worked as a fail-safe in 2016, acting a bail-out option for Browns quarterbacks last year, and that safety valve is certainly important when a team has had a laundry list of quarterbacks over the past 18 years. The quarterbacks in Cleveland might not be consistent, but Pryor is.
Pryor could be a number one receiver on a good team too, and does not suffer from the effect of being just a good player on a bad team. Pryor could still produce on a better team than the Browns; Cleveland simply just lucked into him. Browns fans have taken a strong liking to Pryor, and with good reason, as he can get himself open in order to save a failing play. Additionally, he has a tremendous feel for the game which immensely helps his quarterbacks. If the Browns can get a great quarterback to unlock Pryor’s full potential, defensive coaches will find it hard to gameplan for that combination.
Athletic Anomaly
Pryor is an athletic freak of nature among wide receivers. With a unique combination of size and speed that is downright lethal, he can do a little bit of everything. Though he was mainly a receiver in 2016, he still played a bit of quarterback, running back, and even safety. Clearly, he’s a football renaissance man which makes him incredibly useful and versatile. Pryor can be used in any situation during any phase of the game. It only makes sense that he saw great success in 2016.
Pryor will be entering his physical peak in 2017. The Browns will be able to maximize his potential as an athletic freak this year if he stays on the team. If Hue Jackson knows what Pryor can do, he will build the offense both around him and for him. Additionally, Pryor can use his freakish frame to either jump over defensive backs or run straight through them. Without a doubt, he will be a force in 2017, as long as he stays healthy.
Pay the Man
Pryor, like most young superstar wide receivers, is known as a bit of a diva off the field. While his talent is fantastic, he has some attitude issues on the side. If the Browns choose not to pay him, he might just act out and get himself suspended.
The Browns need to pay Pryor what he deserves for two reasons. Aside from preserving his talent and to keep him calm, Pryor needs big money to stay in Cleveland, because he has the talent to go and star on a good team like the New England Patriots. If the Browns pay him enough, he will get motivated to stay in Cleveland. The Browns need to keep talent like Pryor, and if they choose not to keep him, they might not find someone with his talent again for a long time.
In Conclusion
Pryor is an amazing receiver that the Browns happened to find; a real diamond in the rough of today’s skill players. With his physical skills and football knowledge, he could be a generational talent when he retires. It’s possible that he might have a bit of Terrell Owens in him, but coaching can remedy that. Hue Jackson has his players firmly behind him, and that includes Pryor. For all of his incredible talent that has been on display, some of it still likely remains untapped. For the sake of the future of the Cleveland Browns, the team must keep Terrelle Pryor. No matter the short-term cost.
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