Tom Kowalski at MLive.com continues his summer analysis of individual Lions (hey, even if it isn't hugely groundbreaking, I give Killer credit for providing some fodder during the pre-training camp news blackout) with a look at RT Gosder Cherilus. Says Tom K:
There are a lot of things to like about the game of Detroit Lions right tackle Gosder Cherilus: his size, work ethic, attitude, power and nasty streak. It's why the Lions selected Cherilus with the 17th overall pick in the first round last year. But Cherilus also lacks something very significant: consistency. His ability to maintain focus throughout the course of a game will ultimately determine whether he becomes an anchor on the Lions' offensive line or someone who will soon be replaced.Kowalski also speculates that the offseason signings of Ephraim Salaam and Jon Jansen could indicate the Lions aren't willing to wait forever for Cherilus' consistency issues to work themselves out. And Kowalski also discusses what could have been:
One of the favorite games among Lions fans is "Who we should've drafted'' and that comes into play with Cherilus because the Lions actually traded out of the No. 15 spot to take Cherilus. The Lions moved down two spots, allowing the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and take Virginia guard Branden Albert. Although Albert graded out higher on most draft boards, the Lions were looking for a right tackle and Albert - who played guard in college - would be something of a projection in the pros. It turns out that he wasn't much of a projection - Albert started 15 games at left tackle (the much tougher tackle position) for the Chiefs. Albert, who started the regular season opener despite missing a good deal of preseason time with a foot injury, missed just one game during the year (hyperextended elbow).Thoughts? Talk about it in The Den!
Posts
