NFL notebook: Position swap challenges Edwards

To this point in his newborn NFL career, the transition from All-American quarterback to receiver for former Appalachian State star Armanti Edwards has been about what he expected.

That isn’t necessarily a good thing.

“I expected it to be rough, and it’s what I thought it would be,” Edwards said.

The Panthers traded up to draft Edwards in the third round in order to add his explosiveness to their offense. They immediately began the task of converting Edwards, whose quick feet, toughness and decision-making made him a two-time NCAA Football Championship Subdivision Player of the Year, into a wideout and a return man.

Edwards has embraced the opportunity, though he still grapples with the challenges of changing positions. Rather than throwing passes, Edwards is learning to catch them, which also involves refining his conditioning.

“It surprised me how tired I was. I thought I was in shape until I got out here in the first practice,” Edwards said.

Coach John Fox said Edwards is adjusting to the increased running his new role requires and he’s seen encouraging signs.

“He’s got good hands and good ability after the catch,” Fox said.

The adjustment remains a work in progress. Edwards said veteran receivers have been willing to offer him tips on how to improve his route-running while he spends a significant portion of his free time studying.

Edwards said he spends 30 minutes to an hour studying the playbook between the morning and afternoon practice sessions and another similar period each evening. Throw in meeting time and Edwards is immersed in the transition.

“I still have to tell myself I’m new to this,” Edwards said.

Tension boils over

Tempers erupted into a scuffle between Pro Bowl defensive tackle Darnell Dockett and offensive tackle Levi Brown in the Arizona Cardinals’ second practice of the day.

Four-time Pro Bowler and Cardinals newcomer Joey Porter also got in the face of fellow outside linebacker Cody Brown for putting up with tight end Stephen Spach repeatedly grabbing Brown’s facemask in the drills.

Bryant stays active

Dez Bryant is still catching a few balls despite that bulky protective boot on his right foot.

Bryant caught a few light tosses from receivers coach Ray Sherman while standing on the sideline as practice got started. Once drills got under way, the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick was an observer watching with Sherman or another coach while the offense went through its plays.

Around the league

First-round draft pick Dan Williams was headed up the hill from Phoenix to training camp after agreeing to terms on a five-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The 6-foot-3, 327-pound nose tackle from Tennessee is expected to join in team meetings and participate in the Cardinals’ practice today. … The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a five-year deal with first-round draft pick Jerry Hughes. The agent for the defensive end from TCU confirmed the deal through an e-mail to The Associated Press. … First-round draft pick Jermaine Gresham agreed to a deal with the Cincinnati Bengals, ending a holdout that kept the tight end away for six days of training camp. Gresham, the 21st overall pick, is expected to arrive in Georgetown, Ky., today to sign his contract and participate in an afternoon practice. Cornerback Pacman Jones also had his first practice with the Bengals since signing with the team in May. The 26-year-old Jones sat out all of last season after going unsigned. … Ndamukong Suh missed his third straight day of practice Monday with the Detroit Lions. Suh is the former Nebraska defensive lineman who was the No. 2 pick overall in the NFL draft. … Buffalo Bills rookie left tackle Ed Wang has an undisclosed injury that could require surgery and force him to miss the rest of training camp.