As the saying goes, a change is as good as a rest.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars drafting a genuine two-way player in Travis Hunter and the Green Bay Packers switching Bo Melton from receiver to corner back this offseason — to some moderately early success — I thought I would explore others who have switched roles or played multiple positions.
This list focuses on players who majored in one position after entering the NFL and then switched to another.
Terrelle Pryor: Quarterback → Wide Receiver
Pryor was drafted as a quarterback by the Oakland Raiders in the 2011 supplemental draft after a prolific college career at Ohio State. He then switched to receiver in the 2015 offseason with Cleveland and posted a 1,000-yard season in 2016 (77 catches, 1,007 yards, 4 TDs). Later tenures included Washington, Buffalo and the New York Jets.
Logan Thomas: Quarterback → Tight End
Selected as a quarterback by Arizona in 2014, Logan Thomas converted to tight end during his time with the Detroit Lions in late 2016. After stops in Buffalo and Detroit again, he found a highly productive TE role in Washington.
Ty Montgomery: Wide Receiver → Running Back
Drafted by Green Bay as a receiver in 2015, Montgomery began taking snaps at running back in mid-2016 due to backfield injuries. He continued in a hybrid role, contributing as both a pass-catcher and runner.
Cordarrelle Patterson: Wide Receiver → Running Back/Utility
Probably better known for his return ability, Patterson was taken as a wideout in the 2013 first round by Minnesota. He then morphed into a hybrid RB/WR/return specialist, particularly during his time with Chicago (2020) and Atlanta. His versatility made him a standout weapon beyond just receiving and he spent more time carrying the rock.
Tim Tebow: Quarterback → (try-out at) Tight End
A celebrated dual-threat QB from Florida and drafted in 2010 by Denver, Tebow attempted a comeback as a TE with Jacksonville under his former coach Urban Meyer in 2021, but did not make the roster.
Other notable examples
- Mike Vrabel (Patriots) — Primarily a linebacker but lined up as a TE in goal-line situations and caught 10 career touchdowns.
- J.J. Watt (Texans) — Mostly a defensive end, but used occasionally as a TE in goal-line packages.
- Deion Sanders — Star cornerback who also played snaps at WR during his legendary career.
