Offensive Lineman Shawn Lauvao Taking Advantage of Opportunities

Rookie offensive lineman Shawn Lauvao is getting opportunities to work with the first team offense early in camp, thanks to a few unfortunate ailments and injuries to Tony Pashos and John St. Clair. Better yet for the third-round pick, he is impressing all the right people, including head coach Eric Mangini.

Lauvao’s size, strength, and football smarts are allowing him to make an impact on the line and it seems like he is going to make good use of his time with the first team. The longer that Pashos and St. Clair stay out, the harder it might be for one of them to keep his job. Lauvao has been practicing at right guard, but he is also in the mix to be the backup center/left guard.

Wherever Lauvao ends up on the team, his versatility will be of great value and his confidence not only in his understanding of the playbook, but of the game itself, is refreshing:

"“It’s football when you come down to it. Either you show up or you don’t,” he said."

Mangini also stated that he would have no problem starting Lauvao on the offensive line; if he continues to have a great camp and eventually wins a spot as a starter, the Browns would have one of the most dynamic and young offensive lines in the NFL.