Don’t Sleep: Jets’ Pryor Could Be In Line For Breakout Year

It’s well known that the Jets have been making moves left and right this offseason to revamp their roster. From securing the quarterback position, bulking up the backfield, solidifying the secondary and adding variety to the receiving corps, the Jets will look to rebound from back-to-back 5-11 finishes.

Most recently, many of the headlines surrounding Gang Green have focused on the new rook, Sam Darnold, and rightfully so. However, it continues to fly under the radar that the former USC quarterback will only see success if the pieces around him are steadfast and reliable, something the Jets just seem to be cracking into.

The team saw it last year with Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse, who game after game allowed Josh McCown to drive the field and put up career numbers. While others struggled, those two always seemed to be dependable and accredited the Jets with a fair share of close games. Not to mention they both came only a tad shy of the 1,000 yard receiving mark.

But, of course, 2018 may be different for the Jets. It is still an unknown as to how the quarterback position will play out, and last year’s X-Factor in Anderson continues to deal with his own slate of issues. Can any of the new additions step up and deliver?

It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly how it will play out, but in my eyes, I wouldn’t sleep on Terrelle Pryor. Yes, he’s coming off a less-than-fabulous season in Washington, but I wouldn’t count on that to hinder his potential in the green & white.

Work pic.twitter.com/c6dw50JTU9

— Terrelle Pryor SR (@TerrellePryor) April 12, 2018

The Situations

Take a look at Pryor’s 2017 with the Redskins. Many would be quick to say that his poor production was on him, prior to his ankle injury of course. But let’s recall what Kirk Cousins had for targets: Josh Doctson, Vernon Davis, Jamison Crowder, Jordan Reed, Ryan Grant, Chris Thompson, etc.

Pryor was the new guy in town and was thrown into a situation where the Redskins were trying to get the most out of Cousins (in what would turn out to be his last year). In hindsight, it seemed Cousins was more comfortable throwing to the guys he had been successful with in the past. Pryor was simply unable to define his role.

But turn the clock back one year before when Pryor made headlines in Cleveland. He broke out for over 1,000 receiving yards after transitioning from the quarterback position just a year before. Why was he so successful though?

Cleveland made Pryor their No. 1 guy off the bat. His competition for targets was limited to Gary Barnidge, Corey Coleman (rookie) and Andrew Hawkins. Needless to say, Pryor had the space he needed to showcase his worth and made the most of it.

The Future

Now in New York, Pryor is seeing a combination of what his time in both Cleveland and Washington was like. The Jets currently have a whopping 13 receivers on the active roster. However, there are plenty of question marks. Anderson remains in struggles with his off-the-field issues, Quincy Enunwa is coming off a serious neck injury, and a boatload of young receivers have yet to impress.

Pyror seems to be in a good spot despite the overload at the position.

And to add on to his potential, Pryor will likely be making catches from Josh McCown, his former quarterback in Cleveland who helped him reach his career milestone. He’ll also have familiarity in the backfield with former teammate Isaiah Crowell.

77 catches, 1,007 yds, 5 total TDs with @JoshMcCown12 in 2016

By the numbers: @TerrellePryor → https://t.co/CBzDYMYVmF pic.twitter.com/Yv8oU5zT0J

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 2, 2018

Pryor, 28, is a big target at 6-foot-4, 228 pounds. If he proves he is healthy, he should be able to dominate in a Jets receiving corps that is still up in the air. Don’t sleep on him JetsNation.

– Kyle Hirshkind is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Jets and covers the New York Jets. Like and follow on Follow @kylehirshkind Follow @FPC_Jets