Gosder Cherilus looks to start at Right Tackle

By Imperical Evidence


Earlier this morning, around 9:00 A.M., Jon Jansen posted the following on his Twitter page:

"I was just told by the Lions I'm being cut today. Needless to say I'm disappointed. I enjoyed playing for my home team and the city of Det."


Jansen played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 1999 NFL draft. He played for the Redskins until his release in May of 2009. The Detroit Lions grabbed him the day of his release and Jansen was primarily a backup to Cherilus that season. Jansen started two games in 2009, one at right tackle, and signed a one year contract this season for the league minimum, $860,000, on March 6th. His age had to be a factor in his release, if he is cut later today.

If Jansen were to get cut by the Detroit Lions, that move would assure Gosder Cherilus the starting job at right tackle. Cherilus was drafted 17th overall in the 2008 draft, and it looks like the Lions want to give him another season to get it together. Cherilus has struggled with inconsistent play, and was benched in each of his first two seasons because of it. Cherilus became the starting right tackle in his third game in 2008, replacing George Foster. He has started 28 games at right tackle for the Lions in the last two seasons.

Corey Hilliard looks to be the guy pushing Cherilus for the right tackle spot. Hilliard can also play left tackle, giving the Lions depth with flexibility. Hilliard was drafted in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL draft by the Patriots. He was mainly a practice squad player there, playing in 5 games and having no starts. The Browns claimed him, then put him on their practice squad. The Lions claimed him from the Browns on December 9th.

Jason Fox, the rookie tackle from Miami, is still not playing that much after knee surgery in the off season. Fox started 47 games for the hurricanes at left tackle, 2 shy of the school record. Fox was drafted in the fourth round by the Lions, and many think he will be on the roster after all the cuts are in. He provides youth and potential, with some key spots on the offensive line getting older for the Lions, they see Fox as a developmental player that will step in when needed and possibly start in the future.