When the Washington Redskins parted ways with both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon — there were real questions surrounding the future of the receiving corps in D.C.
VOTE: Which NFL Training Camp One-Handed Catch Was Better, Terrelle Pryor or DeAndre Hopkins
Both wideouts had more than 1,000 yards in 2016 — and Garcon was that blue-collar utility guy who was always reliable, while Jackson had speed that couldn't be contained.
The Skins' front office addressed the two departures by bringing in former Browns' WR Terrelle Pryor — who has only played the position for one full NFL season.
Most Redskins' fans were at least a little excited with the move, but didn't know what to expect. Sure, Pryor had an impressive 1,007 yards a season ago, but could he grow on that or was it a flash in the pan?
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I'm here to tell you this dude is legit — and will emerge as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL this season.
Here are the reasons why:
Work ethic
I've never seen a player that works out as often — and as hard — as Pryor. It's obvious he wants to be the best and will do anything he has to do to get there. Last week, Pryor held his first press conference in Richmond for training camp, so it was the first time the local media was able to get an up-close look at the Skins' pass catcher. The overwhelming narrative? They were blown away with how massive and in-shape Pryor looks when you're standing just a few feet from him.
"There are four athletes I can say just stick out on a whole different level in person," Redskins' beat reporter Craig Hoffman told the Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan. "That's Lebron James, Cam Newton, Kevin Durant and Terrelle Pryor."
Just look at this montage and tell me this dude isn't going to be great.
"I want to try to do something to make the world better."@TerrellePryor looks to set a positive example: https://t.co/KiY0jW95FG pic.twitter.com/OYodcd7XXa
— Washington Redskins (@Redskins) July 31, 2017
Kirk Cousins and the Offense
Jay Gruden's west coast system is catered to wide receivers — and the numbers from the last few years prove that. In 2016, Cousins threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. In 2015, he threw for 4,166 and 29 touchdowns.
Now, Cousins looks more confident than ever and inside threats like Jordan Reed (arguably the best pass-catching tight end in the NFL) and Jamison Crowder will open up holes for Pryor. It will be nearly impossible for defenses to key in on Pryor and double him — with so many other offensive threats on Washington's offense.
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High praise from Redskins' Coaches
The Washington coaching staff doesn't view Pryor as just a fill-in guy that can be productive. Take a look at Gruden's glowing comments about his new offensive toy.
"I mean, he's still one of the top guys in the league and he just started playing," Gruden told Pro Football Talk. "He's a physical freak."
People can say I'm overreacting but you will see when the season comes around. Pryor is ready for a breakout campaign.
