Lions: A look at former Lions currently excelling elsewhere in the NFL
By Bob Heyrman
Riley Reiff
How about another offensive lineman? When I think about Reily Reiff, I have vivid memories of myself screaming at the television because he missed a block, allowing Matthew Stafford to get absolutely crushed.
Reiff was a player with potential but drove me bonkers on a weekly basis. He was valuable in Detroit as a young tackle because he had the ability to play either side if need be.
The Detroit Lions initially drafted the 31-year old in 2012. He was the 23rd overall pick in the first round. Looking back now at the Reiff pick and Warford in the third round the following year, I wish Detroit had a similar agenda now.
I believe teams need to build from the trenches out AFTER their franchise quarterback is in place.
Reiff isn’t quite as talented as Warford, but he’d be a significant upgrade to Rick Wagner at right tackle. Wagner is having an atrocious season for the Lions at RT in all aspects of the game. He’s graded out well below average as a run blocker, and pass blocker. To give you a comparison, Tyrell Crosby, in very limited time, has produced similar numbers to Wagner. Not good.
Reiff is considered average, but that’s a lot better than Wagner this season. The insult to injury here is the two players earn nearly the same amount of money. Wagner signed a five-year $47.5 million deal with Detroit, with two-years remaining. Riley Reiff also has two-years left on his five-year $58.75 million contract.
Yes, there is an $11 million difference on the entire deal, but Reiff is playing at least that much better. He’d be a welcoming sight on this lackluster O-line. He also wears a ‘C’ on his jersey, proving that he’s a great locker room guy, that shouldn’t go unnoticed.