Former Nebraska standout quarterback Tommy Armstrong is willing to play any position to increase his chances of making the Minnesota Vikings roster.
Making an NFL roster as a quarterback is not an easy transition after a college career. Because of that, many standouts in college do not project as quarterbacks as they enter next level. Tommy Armstrong out of the University of Nebraska is the latest college quarterback that must make the transition to another position. The Minnesota Vikings invited Armstrong to their three-day rookie mini-camp.
Most former college quarterbacks who make the transition play receiver at the NFL level. Tommy Armstrong is interested in playing what ever position the Minnesota Vikings see fit.
He told the Pioneer Press.
"“I think I’m just a natural athlete,” Armstrong said. “I’ve heard it all my life, that if I wasn’t playing quarterback, I could play running back or receiver or safety. Making that change I think will be tough, but I think I’m able to do it. My coaches from my college career think I can do it, so I’ve just got to prove to the Vikings’ coaching staff and prove to the head coach that I’m able to make that switch and be able to help the team.”"
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A big name who has recently made a very successful switch from quarterback to receiver is Terrelle Pryor of the Cleveland Browns. Pryor had an amazing career as a quarterback for Ohio State. He initially played as a quarterback in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders where he started a total of 10 games. After that he went to the Cleveland Browns where they switch him over to a receiver in 2015. During the his first season at receiver, it appeared as if the Browns made a mistake. Pryor only caught one pass for 42 yards. They stuck with him and this last season he caught 77 passes for 1007 yards.
What position is Armstrong’s best bet
Armstrong, like Pryor, is a natural athlete. There are many ways that Armstrong could factor into the Minnesota Vikings roster next season. Looking at the Vikings current roster his best bet is as a wide receiver or safety based on depth at those positions. The Vikings had a solid draft but there is still a chance for Armstrong to make an impression.
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As a quarterback you must know what every player has to do every single play. That makes the transition smoother for many quarterbacks. Additionally, with an athletic quarterback like Armstrong the Minnesota Vikings are getting a mix of knowledge and the athletic ability to play any position within his size range. Also, it never hurts to have an extra player on the roster that has the ability to play quarterback.