SCOUTING REPORT:Gosder Cherilus

by Tom Kowalski
Monday June 09, 2008, 5:02 AM
GOSDER CHERILUS
2008 Scouting Report

If the Lions had stayed in the 15th overall spot in the first round, it's likely they would've selected Virginia guard/tackle Branden Albert because his draft grade was higher than Cherilus'. The Lions, though, traded down two spots and took Cherilus because they were looking for a right tackle and Cherilus played right tackle. While Albert was rated higher, there was still some question of how he would make the transition to tackle (the Chiefs, who traded with Detroit, took Albert).


Cherilus, at 6-7 and 320 pounds, has the ideal size for the right side, can be powerful in the running game and has a very high competitive and nasty streak. Just as importantly, he's a hungry player who is always striving to get better.

For all of his positives, Cherilus still has to battle bouts of inconsistency because his focus can sometimes wander. The Lions coaches don't appear too concerned about that part of his game because they believe, as he faces top-level talent week after week, his intensity will rise as his competitiveness comes out.

Cherilus will probably go into camp as the No. 2 right tackle behind George Foster, but the Lions shouldn't wait too long in elevating Cherilus to the starting unit. Yes, it's important that Cherilus earn the position, but it's just as important that he get as much playing time as possible with the starting right guard and tight end because chemistry is crucial. With the zone blocking schemes the Lions will use, it's even more important for the players to get a feel for each other and work as a unit.



MY THOUGHTS
One of my favorite things about a player or person is desire. You show me a guy who has desire and I will show someone who is going to be a success in almost anything they do. It is an old saying but if you work hard enough you can acomplish almost anything. I see that in Gosder and combined with his size and strength it puts not only Gosder but the Lions in a good position to be successful.