Browns fans must manage expectations of Terrelle Pryor

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor has a lot to learn before he can be considered a dominant all-around player.

The Cleveland Browns made the right move by giving Terrelle Pryor a chance to make the team as a wide receiver. The worst possible outcome was that he wouldn’t be good enough to earn a permanent role, thus joining the droves of others who have come and gone throughout the years.

But Pryor proved his doubters wrong and appears to be in contention to earn a starting spot on the roster for the 2016 season. At least until Josh Gordon returns in Week 5.

Pryor only had one reception in 2015, but his 2016 got off to a great start with the Browns’ first play from scrimmage Friday night in Green Bay.

It was a great play to begin the preseason and one Pryor can use to build his confidence as a receiver. But fans cannot use this one play as concrete proof that Pryor is a top target for the Browns in 2016.

Calling out Pryor is sure to draw ire from the masses, but it is foolish to think he has what it takes to be a dominant receiver at this point in time.

Remember, he only has one career regular season reception and was a quarterback up until a year ago. Speed and natural catching ability is a great start, but so much goes into being an NFL receiver. From perfecting the routes to being a solid blocker, there are many other factors besides being able to blow by cornerbacks.

To continue being a downer, remember Pryor made this 49-yard grab in a preseason opener. From the talk surrounding the play, it almost seems like it occurred in the playoffs.

This view toward Pryor is not meant to be negative, but rather one to help manage expectations. If he keeps progressing at his current rate, there is no reason why he cannot be the team’s third or fourth receiving option this year. In a group including Corey Coleman, Gary Barnidge and Josh Gordon, Pryor can put up some great numbers when the majority of the attention is going to the others.

But expecting him to be a 1,000-yard receiver in 2016 is just an unfair expectation to put on the young receiver. He can reach that mark, but it would come as a pleasant surprise instead of something he was supposed to achieve.

Pryor may be able to reach that mark based on the injuries plaguing the receiving corps, but he is dealing with a small injury of his own.

It doesn’t seem to be anything too serious, but obviously a receiver’s hands cannot be injured if he wants to have a successful season.

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This is something to keep an eye on as fans continue to watch Pryor progress as a wide receiver.