Earlier this summer, the Jacksonville Jaguars invited quarterback-turned wide receiver Terrelle Pryor down for a workout. It did not take long for the front office to sign him to a one-year contract. A prove it contract. This summer, Pryor released videos of himself, standing in his underwear and catching footballs from a Jugs machine. But what else can he bring to the table as he enters his eighth season?
There is no question the 6’ 4” 230 pound Pryor is a gifted athlete based on his accolades in high school and college. However, Pryor will be looking to steer his NFL career back on track as a new Jaguar at age 30. Will it be a rebirth for him or a walk into the sunset? Too early to tell. But what do the Jaguars have to lose? Nothing. And he can potentially be a wildcard of the offense.
First things first, Pryor needs to make the team. However, he continues to battle a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him on the sidelines in recent weeks. The injury could impact his chances of making the roster. However, a talent like Pryor should be given a chance to make a struggling team like Jacksonville. And there are three significant roles that make him a wildcard in the Jaguars offense.
Red Zone Target
As previously stated, Terrelle Pryor is a big target that takes up space. Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo can use Pryor as a matchup nightmare for opposing corners. He also has the athletic ability to jump and snare a football at its highest point. After all, he was named a fourth-team Parade All-American as a high school basketball standout.
But the wide receiver position is still fairly new to him and he is raw in many ways. It’s up to wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell to get Pryor up to speed and continue the polishing of his skills. If he is able to do a better job to create separation at the line of scrimmage, he will be a weapon in the red zone.
Wildcat Threat
You may think this fad has passed in the NFL. And you may be right. Or perhaps teams no longer want to snap the ball to the hands of an unproven player. A player who is in unfamiliar territory in the backfield, receiving a shotgun snap. This is not an issue for Pryor.
As a quarterback at Ohio State, Pryor rushed for 2,134 yards in three seasons. In 2013, he rushed for 576 yards as a quarterback in Oakland. The statistics do not lie. Pryor is a gifted runner that has the speed and moves to be elusive in space. Not to mention a strong arm to keep them honest on the outside.
Of course, Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles should not be looking over his shoulder for Pryor to take the reins. However, perhaps Pryor can be a new wrinkle in the offense. Keep the defense guessing and on their toes. Maybe even force the defense to burn a timeout or two that could impact the end of the game. Using him in the “Wildcat” formation is just a thought. But one that could certainly pay dividends.
Decoy- Deception
When Pryor trots on to the field he will be noticed. The defense will need to recognize him and his unique abilities. Opposing defenses will need to know where he lines up and account for him. Send him in motion. Line him up in the slot. Start him out wide. Or have put him in the backfield. This can cause confusion. When a defense is confused, mistakes are made. Advantage offense. Checkmate.
Using Pryor as a decoy will also create opportunities for other playmakers. Whether it’s the running game loosening up or receivers taking advantage of one on one opportunities. Furthermore, the coaching staff can review the tendencies of the defense and capitalize later in the game. Moving Pryor around offensively is a strategy the Jaguars could deploy a few times a game.
Last Word on Terrelle Pryor
There is only one football to go around in Jacksonville. And with the Jaguars’ philosophy to run the ball often, one would think that Pryor’s influence in 2019 will be minimal. However, if Pryor can emerge as a weapon among a group of receivers that doesn’t feature a true number one option, the Jaguars will be elated. Terrelle Pryor’s versatility can be utilized all over the field in different situations to make an impact on a game. But he must shake off his injuries from the past in order to see the field in 2019.
