Cam Erving is the least of the Cleveland Browns problems

Cleveland Browns center Cameron Erving’s attitude is a positive sign that the team does not have to worry about him.

The Cleveland Browns have several holes still left to fill on the roster as they continue their final preparations for the 2016 NFL Draft.

But one area they should not have to worry about is second-year center Cam Erving.

It is understandable, given the team’s recent issues with first-round draft picks, that fans would be skeptical of Erving. He struggled mightily with his technique as a rookie last season and, there is really no nice way to put this, was completely over-matched when called upon.

There were some extenuating circumstances, however. Offensive lineman often struggle to adapt to line play in the NFL; probably not enough has been made of the fact that the Browns lost offensive line coach Andy Moeller prior to the start of the season; and their were limited opportunities for Erving to get into the lineup, and when he did it was at guard because of Alex Mack’s durability at center.

“I’m an NFL player. I’m a professional, and it’s my job to adapt to whatever situation that I’m put in.” – Cam Erving

With Mack gone in free agency to the Atlanta Falcons, Erving now has the opportunity to focus on playing center — the position he was drafted for and projected to play very well. He also is benefitting from another year of getting stronger and from a second year of training camp this summer.

Most importantly, Erving knows he struggled as a rookie and says he wants to do what it takes to get better, which sets him apart from some of the other first-round players who have not lived up to their draft status.

“We can say it hurt me, but at the end of the day it was the hand I was dealt,” Erving said of his unsettled rookie year. “I’m an NFL player. I’m a professional, and it’s my job to adapt to whatever situation that I’m put in.

“I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘Yes, I was put in bad situations.’ It wasn’t the greatest of circumstances, but at the end of the day I don’t blame the coaches. I don’t blame anybody. I blame myself for whatever happened to me, good or bad.

“I’ve always been a hard-nosed player. I want to continue to bring that to the table, but I have to be more under control and have better technique. I just want to be a nasty player.”

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Linemate Joel Bitonio has also seen a renewed determination from Erving.

“I think that is one thing is that he is a competitive kid and he wants to come in here and prove that he was a first-round draft pick for a reason,” Bitonio told the team’s website. “I think he set his mind this offseason to come and make those changes and really try and fight and prove himself this year.”

This is the time of year when everyone is filled with positivity and hope, and it is important to remember that Erving only played five games at center while at Florida State, so it is likely that he will still take some lumps this fall as he continues to learn how to play the position.

His attitude and willingness to improve, however, are good signs and should give the Browns enough reason not to worry too much about Erving.