Shon Coleman doesn't have any crazy stories about the vacations he took or the places he visited during his first full offseason as an NFL offensive lineman.
That's by design. He rarely left Berea.
"I just came here and worked out and went home and played video games," Coleman said. " I'm always looking to better the team. I've been grinding so hard this offseason. I have high expectations for myself. I look forward to getting on the field more this year."
Coleman didn't have an injury to rehabilitate during the months most NFL players retreat to their respective native locations. He just wants his second season to be dramatically different than the first.
When Coleman was selected in last year's third round, he knew he faced an uphill battle for playing time. Though the Browns had an open competition at right tackle, Coleman wasn't able to put his best foot forward because of a knee injury he sustained during his final season at Auburn. While the rest of Cleveland's large rookie class got a feel for the NFL during rookie camp and OTAs, Coleman had to wait until a few days into training camp.
Coleman lost the battle to veteran Austin Pasztor, who wound up starting 15 of 16 games at the position and rarely missed a snap. Needless to say, there weren't many on-field opportunities for Coleman, who appeared in just a handful of games.
Coleman just doesn't consider it to be a lost season. Far from it. He learned through observation and worked closely with veteran Joe Thomas, who quickly took Coleman under his wing and often worked with him after practice.
"I don't think it was a bad thing," Coleman said. "I got to sit back and take everything in and experience a lot of things. I got thrown in the game a couple of times and got to learn from that. I think it's better for me going into my second year and knowing what to expect."
The situation at right tackle hasn't changed much from this time last year, and that bodes well for Coleman as he looks to elevate his role on the Browns offensive line.
With Pasztor gone, the Browns are in the market for a new starter at right tackle to pair along with established players at the other four spots. The Browns signed a new center (JC Tretter) and right guard (Kevin Zeitler) and will welcome back perennial Pro Bowler Joe Thomas and left guard Joel Bitonio.
That leaves Coleman to compete with the likes of Cameron Erving, Spencer Drango and others for a spot on what figures to be one of the most improved offensive lines in the NFL.
"I just got high expectations for myself," Coleman said. "I want to be the best at what I do. I'm just grinding and trying to perfect my skills and get bigger and stronger."
