Cleveland Browns Training Camp "Surprise" Award

by Chris Pokorny on Aug 25, 2011 11:02 AM EDT

This is the third part in a series of four involving training camp awards. Today, I'm taking a look at a player who I'd consider the biggest "surprise" of camp -- one who either wasn't expected to do much of anything, or was suddenly thrust into a starting role, but has come on really strong.

Training Camp "Surprise" - RG Shawn Lauvao

Last year, we were worried about the right side of our offensive line. Compared to the left side of the line and the center positions, the right side of the line lacked youth. Floyd Womack played well, but we couldn't use him as a "temporary" replacement forever.

Shawn Lauvao was a pretty high draft pick last year but never saw significant playing time. I was surprised that he was handed the starting right guard position before training camp even began under new head coach Pat Shurmur. Even when John Greco or Billy Yates (not retired) were brought in, there weren't any rumors about Lauvao losing his spot to them.

Lauvao has responded with a solid camp and a good preseason to this point. It's tough to say where he is on the talent scale when comparing him to the rest of our linemen, but I'm glad that we'll finally have someone on the right side of the line who could be here for many years. He has had the task of going up against first-round pick Phil Taylor in camp. The thing I like about Lauvao is that even on plays where it looks like the defender starts to get the upper hand, Lauvao holds his ground and finishes the play to the end.

Runners-Up

WR Jordan Norwood - After a good camp last year, Norwood has taken full advantage of Mohamed Massaquoi being out by catching everything thrown his way, being very shifty, and looking comfortable at fielding punts.
CB James Dockery - The undrafted free agent has made quite the impression and has been used for versatility -- at cornerback, safety, special teams, and on kickoff returns. I wouldn't say he has a roster spot locked up, but he has a good chance at making it.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Isn’t Tony Pashos the other variable, though?

by scrumm on Aug 25, 2011 11:12 AM EDT reply actions

We have Braxton though so no big.

Pittsburgh is just jealous. We got Cudi and they have Wiz.

by SpecialBrownie on Aug 25, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions

No, it would be a big stepdown from Pashos to Braxton. Pashos, in my opinion, is a Pro-Bowl quality right tackle. His problem is he can’t stay healthy — if you see his size, you can see why he has that problem.

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Aug 25, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

he can’t stay healthy — if you see his size, you can see why he has that problem

Do you think it is a weight problem (i.e. overweight…), or just the fact that he’s so huge (skeleton / bone structure-wise…)?

Go, I say go away boy, you bother me.

by burntorangeandbrown on Aug 25, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions

The latter — big guys are just more prone to injury. The ones who aren’t are the complete freaks who get paid a ton of money.

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Aug 25, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

RE: Camp surprises

And let’s not forget the almost magical connection between Colt McCoy and TE Evan Moore. I’m going to shock my fantasy football league tomorrow by waiting until the 9th round to draft a QB (which will be McCoy) and the 10th round to pick my TE (Moore). I think this duo is going to shock the football world this season. They’ve been virtually unstoppable in the red zone. And this with no minicamp, no OTAs, etc. Amazing!

by Wyoming Chas on Aug 25, 2011 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

I’m going to shock my fantasy football league tomorrow by waiting until the 9th round to draft a QB (which will be McCoy) and the 10th round to pick my TE (Moore).

Gah.

Pittsburgh is just jealous. We got Cudi and they have Wiz.

by SpecialBrownie on Aug 25, 2011 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree that they’re having an amazing preseason and training camp- but I don’t think it’s wise to pin the success of your fantasy team on just that alone

by BornAKardiacKid on Aug 25, 2011 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions

They were a good combo last year too, when they were on the field.

by HenryDawg on Aug 25, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

I remember my first fantasy draft…

Dont quote me on that..

by BrownEye on Aug 25, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs

You’re better off waiting until the last round for Moore, if you’re serious on taking him. I’m pretty sure in the 3 leagues I’m already in that he’s still on the FA list.

by 3PON Nemo on Aug 25, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Same for McCoy. No one is taking him because he is not worth drafting right now. Odds are that you can pick him up off waivers after week 1 even if he has an amazing game.

2010 Official DBN League Fantasy Football Champion

by TheDriveStillHurts on Aug 25, 2011 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions

As others have already said, wait until the last few founds, the 9th and 10th is too early, they’ll be there later. They will likely go undrafted unless any of the other managers are Browns fans or unless they both destroy the Eagles D tonight. I’m set on drafting them in one of my leagues on Thursday, but I’m waiting until the final two or three rounds to do so.

"There is a small, but important difference between peeing in the pool and peeing into the pool." - Demitri Martin

by Browns town on Aug 25, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions