Very few NFL players find real success when they make a big position change. However, Terrelle Pryor is looking to be the exception. The former quarterback who spent time with the Oakland Raiders coming out of the supplemental draft before heading to the Seattle Seahawks and then eventually the Cleveland Browns while trying to now transition into the role of wide receiver. This normally is the beginning of the end for a player's career, but Pryor is earning rave reviews for his talents and might just make the final roster cut.
Early returns on Pryor's change in position have been extremely positive. The wide receiver got in early season work with quarterback Josh McCown that is paying off on the field. With a position group not overly stocked with talent, the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that Pryor really stands a chance at making the team. Wide receiver coach Joker Phillips furthered that belief by praising the player for his dynamic skillset.
"You don't do the things he did in a short period of time (if you're not serious),'' said Phillips, via the Plain Dealer. "He wasted no time. He got with some guys, some guys that really know the position and went to work. What gives me hope and excitement is just watching him on the first day. He's very, very talented and he's willing.''
Pryor simply has to hope that some of the returning players struggle while he excels on the field. Andrew Hawkins, Taylor Gabriel and Kevin Cone are all competing to make the team as well and Pryor must close the gap to make it work. Injuries might help the quarterback as well. According to ESPN's Pat McManamon, both Duke Johnson and Terrance West are struggling with injury issues at the start of camp. Johnson could be a real threat to Pryor as he is one of the more versatile players on the Browns' roster. Johnson is expected to play a big role in both the running game and receiving game for the Browns, but as he is hampered, Pryor is getting a chance to shine.
For now, Isaiah Crowell is continuing on as the starting running back for McCown during training camp. Johnny Manziel is also getting some time with the first-team offense, but is not expected to be a starter for the franchise this season. The Browns need the quarterback to show major improvement before they prepare to move on with him under center.
