Former Lion Brown helping Cherilus adapt to NFL

by Brian VanOchten | The Grand Rapids Press
Wednesday June 11, 2008, 1:27 AM

ALLEN PARK -- In his post-NFL career, former Detroit Lions left tackle Lomas Brown has spent a lot of time teaching the fundamentals of football to up-and-coming prodigies attending his summer camps around the state.

His latest project: First-round pick Gosder Cherilus.

Brown, a seven-time All-Pro selection, is lending a helping hand during Organized Team Activities to help Cherilus learn the finer points of the game.

In offseason drills, Cherilus, a 6-foot-6, 319-pound right tackle chosen 17th overall out of Boston College, has been less than impressive so far.


"I watched the big fella, and I love the attitude," Brown said following Monday's voluntary session. "I see he's got a tremendous punch (getting off the line of scrimmage) but, like any new guy, the footwork is bad. He's not going to see a lot of speed rushers on the right side, so it's not going to bother him that much.

"It just needs to improve."

Brown insists he can help Cherilus adapt to the NFL.

The occasional ESPN commentator, who is conducting football camps in Lansing, Adrian, Rochester Hills and Grand Rapids this summer, has offered his services to the Lions to continue working with Cherilus once training camp opens next month.

He sees a lot of untapped potential.

"It's rare you get guys (in the first round of the draft) who come in and make an impact right away," Brown said. "Once he gets the pads on and he has a little success out here, that'll help his confidence. People might not have a good opinion about him from what they see right now, but give him a little time.

"I remember when we drafted Herman (Moore, 1991 first-rounder, 10th overall). The first two years, Herman couldn't catch a cold. He was horrible. It was like, 'We spent our money on who?'

"The more reps he gets, he'll be better."

The same approach applies, according to Brown, whether he's teaching and preaching basic concepts to NFL players or summer campers.

Brown also is hosting a charity golf outing July 27 at Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada. All proceeds benefit brachial plexus palsy research at the University of Michigan.

NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders is scheduled to headline the tournament. He is expected to be joined by former Lions Moore, Ron Rice, Stephen Boyd and Luther Elliss, ex-Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods and others.

In the meantime, Brown is having fun mentoring Cherilus.

He told him Monday to keep focusing on the fundamentals.

"You're set has to be the same. It has to be repetitive. You have to be able to do it in your sleep," Brown said. "I'd like to keep working with him.

"I went up against William Gay, a pretty good veteran defensive lineman, every day in practice as a rookie. That helped my progress a lot," he added.

So, upon first glance, what's Cherilus' best attribute?

"He's got a nasty attitude," Brown said with a huge smile. "I like that. You can't teach that."




MY THOUGHTS
When Brian Van "comb over" says Gosder has been less than impressive, you have to take it with a grain of salt. He is by far the most negitive writer for the Lions. I love the fact the Lomas Brown is working with Gosder. You should have as many former greats around as you can. Lomas was always the smallest LT in the league and had to have the best footwork and technique to play at a probowl level. Having Lomas there also says alot about Marinelli letting former guys come in and help. Herman Moore wanted to do that for Roy Williams a few years ago and was denied. These former players really do want to see this team do well and you should take advantage of that whenever possible. If Gosder can pick up some one on one time with the best LT in Lions history, you better believe he will be a much better player this year for it.