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Phil Taylor on track to return from knee injury

Browns defensive lineman was in a jolly mood Friday for the team's annual charity golf outing in Aurora.

Seven months after knee surgery in November following an injury against the Cincinnati Bengals, Taylor is entering the final stages of his rehabilitation and expects to participate in some drills during June's veteran mini-camp.

"We are taking our time with it now," Taylor said. "I'll be ready."

It was well-documented by coach Mike Pettine in March that Taylor's primary position will switch from defensive end to nose tackle. The defensive coaching staff has been spending a heavy chunk of their time reconfiguring some components of the run defense, and Taylor's 330-pound frame centered in the middle will cause more disruption and plug more holes.

Entering his fifth season in Cleveland, the 26-year-old Taylor gladly accepted the club's suggestion on the position move.  

"I'm going to do whatever I have to do for the team. Wherever the coaches want me to play, I'll play," Taylor said. "That's why our coach tells us to learn every position on the defensive line."

With their first pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the Browns selected nose tackle Danny Shelton out of Washington. Shelton and Taylor will compete for playing time together, but the veteran was one of the first Browns players to publicly endorse the selection of Shelton.

"Games are won in the trenches!" Taylor tweeted on draft night.

Taylor is just beginning to get to know Shelton, but the two are already starting to build chemistry as teammates.

"I've talked to him and just let him know to be ready," Taylor emphasized. "Get in the playbook and things like that."

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