My post-lunch, pre-fireworks search for something happening in the NFL on our nation’s birthday led me to the Detroit Free Press, where it was hard not to notice the connection between two articles published Sunday.
In one corner, there was a piece detailing the battles throughout the unsettled Lions offensive line. Perhaps the most intriguing competition takes place at right tackle, where 2008 first-round pick Gosder Cherilus and 12-year veteran Jon Jansen, a local product, are the top candidates.
The other article was written by Jansen, in his second role as a special writer for the paper. His subject: the difficult decisions general managers face when they choose between proven veterans and talented young players.
Jansen took pains to say he wasn’t writing about his situation, but it was hard not to draw parallels. Jansen used a talented rookie in his article, however, and Cherlius enters his third season.
The Lions must decide if Cherilus’ development is worth waiting for or if they are better off cutting their losses on yet another Matt Millen draft pick, and sending him to the bench.