Report: Browns could make RB Johnson their top slot receiver

Duke Johnson could become the latest Cleveland Browns player to switch positions on offense.

Johnson, who played running back last season and who is still listed at the position on the team's official roster, is the leading candidate to become the Browns' starting slot receiver, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Last season, Andrew Hawkins filled the role. He signed with the New England Patriots this spring.

Johnson is an adept runner, but an excellent receiver. The 23-year-old made 53 catches as a rookie and followed that up with 61 a season ago, so the prospect of a permanent move to receiver isn't crazy.

Indeed, switching positions seems to be en vogue in the NFL. Last year, converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor led the Browns in receiving. Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery is an example of a player moving the opposite direction - he began 2016 as a receiver and finished as a tailback.

The Browns were lauded for their offseason additions, but they are still a team that lacks talent on both sides of the ball. If the team believes Isaiah Crowell can be a workhorse starter at running back, finding a way to get Johnson on the field at the same time and elevate the overall talent level of the offense makes perfect sense.