5 questions facing the Browns in training camp

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The Cleveland Browns received some good news ahead of training camp with Tashaun Gipson signing his second-round tender, but the team still has a number of things left on their to-do list.

Head coach Mike Pettine has made it clear there will be no quarterback battle, which means it's the Josh McCown Show until further notice. Cleveland will also be transitioning to a new offense under John DeFilippo, and while the plan remains mostly the same, there's still some work left to be done.

Here are five questions facing the Browns heading into training camp:

Can Johnny Manziel rebound from his disastrous rookie campaign?

Johnny Football is no more - or so Manziel says. Following his two-month rehab stint, the Browns' 2014 first-round pick declared that he was ditching his college persona ("money sign" and all) ahead of his second NFL season, admitting he allowed it to take over his life.

Manziel enters training camp beneath McCown on the depth chart, but if the veteran's recent struggles continue into this season, the Browns may be forced to make a switch. Even if McCown does come out of the gate strong, at 35 years old, he isn't a long-term option for the Browns.

Whether you like him or not, there's no denying that Manziel has the "it" factor. Maturing was the first step towards him becoming a legitimate starting quarterback; now he must show improvement on the field.

Is Gilbert ready to redeem himself?

Manziel wasn't the only first-year player who failed to live up to expectations last season.

Justin Gilbert, the 2014 No. 8 overall pick, saw less playing time than undrafted rookie K'Waun Williams and was suspended for the season finale after showing up late for a team meeting. That prompted owner Jimmy Haslam to declare in February that Gilbert "clearly needs to mature."

That message appears to have been received loud and clear by Gilbert, who arrived at OTAs with a newfound sense of humility. That doesn't guarantee him a starting spot, though. Joe Haden and Tramon Williams are currently penciled in as the starters, with Williams and Gilbert competing for the third and fourth spots. Williams has the edge based on last season's play, meaning Gilbert has a lot of work ahead of him.

Which running back will handle starting duties?

The Browns' offense is expected to be run-heavy this season, creating significantly more opportunities for second-year backs Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West.

Crowell has the edge over West and the rest of the group entering training camp, though DeFilippo has said he plans to go with the hot hand.

Cleveland also has third-round pick Duke Johnson, who lined up multiple times with Crowell or another back during minicamp in a formation called "21 Hurricane" that ESPN's Tony Grossi suspects could become a staple in the offense.

Can Pryor make it as a receiver?

The Browns welcomed several new faces to their receiving corps this offseason, the most recent being former Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pryor has made the switch to wide receiver, and at first glance, it's easy to see why the Browns would be willing to give him a shot. At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, he's significantly bigger than most of Cleveland's receivers. He also has a lot of athletic upside.

That said, Pryor's athleticism wasn't enough to secure him a quarterback job, and he admitted last year he doesn't know how to catch (which, you know, is an important skill to have as a receiver). It will be an uphill battle for Pryor, but he could prove to be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Browns.

Where will the Browns use Erving?

Cameron Erving, this year's No. 19 overall pick, spent the majority of his college career at left tackle, but has the versatility to line up anywhere on the offensive line.

With Joe Thomas at left tackle, Joel Bitonio at left guard, and Alex Mack at center, Erving's best shot at a starting job will be at right tackle or right guard. DeFilippo told reporters Erving will likely open training camp competing with John Greco at right guard, though nothing is set in stone at this point.