With the 18th pick in the third round of the NFL Supplemental Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected former Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor.
Do those words surprise anyone?
As the first two rounds went off without a peep, it suddenly started becoming a realistic possibility. With no pick in the fourth round, if the Raiders wanted Pryor, they were going to have to take him in the third. And they did.
It’s no secret Al Davis loves athletes with upside. A quick once-over of the Raiders recent draft history shows that: Darrius Heyward-Bey, Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell, Michael Huff, Fabian Washington, Nnamdi Asomugha.
But is the risk worth the possible reward for a player like Pryor? A third round pick is a steep price to pay for a guy who is very similar to, but not as physically gifted as, Russell. Not that the Raiders are ever afraid of character issues in the first place.
For Pryor, this is a second chance. He got his wish. He is an NFL quarterback. Oakland’s QB situation is dicey, at best, and Pryor will have a shot early on to make an impact if his work ethic, accuracy and film study can catch up with his legs and arm strength. If Terrelle is half as confident as the air he has always put on, Jason Campbell, Trent Edwards and Kyle Boller shouldn’t exactly strike fear in his heart. And there's always the chance that the Raiders try him out as a wide receiver or tight end.
Pryor will be suspended the first five games of the season, but will be able to play in the preseason and will be allowed to practice with the team. The first game he’s eligible? Week six against the Cleveland Browns. Imagine that.