We told you last week that former Lion Lomas Brown hoped to work with rookie right tackle Gosder Cherilus this summer. Well, Brown stopped out at Lions practice Monday and got his first up-close look at the No. 17 overall pick from Boston College.

Cherilus is running second-team behind George Foster, and that shouldn't change when training camp opens next month. Foster, who cut short a stay in the NFL's Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program this spring in order to compete for the job, is far ahead of Cherilus in his footwork and grasp of the offense. Still, Cherilus has a mean streak and thirst for knowledge — and soon to come, big contract — that will endear him to coaches.

Brown, who previously worked with Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, the NFL leader in sacks allowed last year, didn't speculate on who'll start when the season opens Sept. 7, but seemed impressed by Cherilus' skill set. Here's a sampling of his comments:

• His first impressions: "I watched the big fella. I love the attitude. I see he's got a tremendous punch, but like any new guy the footwork is bad. It needs to improve. 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."

• What Cherilus needs to work on: "Your set has to be the same. It has to be repetitive. You have to be able to do it in your sleep."

• On not reading too much into Cherilus' performance during OTAs: "People might not have a good opinion of him just from what they see (now), but again he's a young guy, he's got to get that timing down. What that kind of reminds me of is ... Herman (Moore). Remember Herman's first two years? He couldn't catch a cold, man. I remember me and (Kevin Glover) went to the locker room one day after practice and we was like, 'Man, they wasted their money on this first-round pick. He's horrible.' But again, it took him a little time. When you're young and you step into this league it's rare that you get some guys that can come in and just start right now."

• On how far he is from being an NFL right tackle: "I would have to see him in pads but this is just my opinion in shorts, I don't think he's very far. I just think it's fundamental things with him, the timing of kicks and his punch. A lot of times it looks like he's grabbing and he's not punching the guy and it's all about his timing. That he can learn. He'll get that down during training camp. The more reps he gets with it the better he'll get, so I'm not really concerned with him. But I do like what I heard that he's got a nasty attitude. You can't teach that, so I'm glad he has that."