Cleveland Browns Training Camp: 5 Early Storylines to Watch

The Cleveland Browns' training camp is on the verge of kicking off, meaning that the 2015 NFL season is rapidly approaching. And the Browns aren't lacking for interesting training-camp stories to watch this year.

From the quarterback situation to the kicker, there are a number of things to keep an eye on this summer. Here are the five biggest storylines to watch as Browns camp begins this month.

The Quarterback Situation

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For now, the Browns' starting quarterback is Josh McCown. But that doesn't mean that backup Johnny Manziel is out of the fight. 

McCown should begin training camp as the Browns' No. 1 at the position. But the more time Manziel gets with the first-team offense, the more opportunities he will have to unseat McCown. And Manziel's performance in the team's preseason games could also result in changes to the quarterback depth chart.

Keep an eye on who Manziel is working with early in camp and how often he gets to command the starting offense. If his first-team reps rapidly rise at the beginning of camp, it's possible he could finally find himself in direct competition with McCown for the first time this year.

Where Cameron Erving Lines Up

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Rookie offensive lineman Cameron Erving has been lining up at practically every position on the line in the Browns' OTAs and minicamp. But coordinator John DeFilippo said in June that Erving will likely open training camp as the starting right guard, replacing John Greco.

However, it's possible that he could be moved elsewhere on the line as camp continues, while the Browns try to find the perfect position for him to play in 2015. There's no doubt that Erving will be a starter. The question is whether he really will stick at right guard this year or if he may see increased time at right tackle in place of Mitchell Schwartz.

Terrelle Pryor's Role

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The Browns picked up former quarterback Terrelle Pryor off waivers in June in order to move him to wide receiver. But Pryor himself views his role as more of a "slash" player—or quarterback-wide receiver hybrid.

So it will be interesting to see exactly how the Browns use Pryor during training camp. The learning curve is steep when it comes to his transition to receiver, but if the Browns ultimately become interested in what he can provide at quarterback as well, it makes things a little more complicated.

Pryor's athletic talent cannot be denied. And he does have a quarterback skill set that could prove valuable to the Browns. Could Pryor prove to be good enough at both positions, so much so that he challenges Connor Shaw for the No. 3 quarterback spot and also makes it in as the team's fifth receiver? We'll see in training camp, which marks the first time Pryor has officially worked with the Browns offense.

Justin Gilbert's Progress

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Second-year Browns cornerback Justin Gilbert has been adamant all offseason that the troubles that plagued his rookie year are behind him. Now, he'll be in the mix to push K'Waun Williams at the nickel spot or even Tramon Williams on the outside. But can he prove that his past is truly in the past?

Northeast Ohio Media Group's Mary Kay Cabot notes that, "Gilbert has looked good in offseason practices, but he looked good in camp last year too before struggling because of off-the-field issues." Can Gilbert finally maximize his potential, or will he simply be a practice-field warrior for a second straight season?

The Browns are not in bad shape when it comes to their cornerback depth, which means that Gilbert will have to compete for playing time this year. One slip-up, though, and the Browns will not hesitate to keep him on the bench and let someone more reliable take the field instead.

The Defensive Line Rotation

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The Browns' use a rotational defensive line, which means ample on-field opportunities for a high number of players. But figuring out just how that rotation will look is a key part of the team's summer training-camp plans.

The Browns have to figure out where Phil Taylor, Danny Shelton, Armonty Bryant, John Hughes, Desmond Bryant, Randy Starks, Xavier Cooper and Billy Winn fit in at the defensive end and tackle positions. Some will be better suited in passing situations, others against the run.

Putting those pieces together will be a storyline to watch this summer as the Browns try to improve both their run defense and pass rush in 2015.