Lions' Jason Fox will get work at both tackles

ALLEN PARK - The Detroit Lions needed an outside linebacker and more depth in the secondary, but Miami tackle Jason Fox was too good to pass up with their fourth-round pick.

Going 128th overall, Fox is a big framed 6-7 kid who needs to add more weight and muscle. He benched just 23 reps at the scouting combine and that's alarming because most linemen are weight-room rats. (In fairness, the longer-armed athletes sometimes don't throw up as many reps). On the plus side, he's a three-year starter at left tackle and showed some real skill at that position. He has versatility to play both tackles and might also be able to play guard, despite his height. Offensive line coach George Yarno believes he's athletic enough to play guard.

Fox missed Miami's bowl game because he had his ailing knee cleaned out - it was an injury that he played with during the season. Fox said the coaches backed his decision and told him it was time for him to do what was best for him. Fox said he expects to be ready to hit the field at next weekend's rookie minicamp. The Lions, though, will likely keep him out until they have a clear understanding of where he is in his rehabilitation.

Look for the Lions to put this kid on a serious weight-lifting regimen and then to try him out at right tackle during training camp. Gosder Cherilus hasn't been consistent and the Lions would like to put some pressure on him. The Lions will alternate him at both tackles in practice, but he's not anywhere close to replacing left tackle Jeff Backus.

The Lions don't have a fifth- or sixth-round pick, but they have three choices in the seventh round.



(mlive.com)