Although he is considered an offensive tackle and perhaps more importantly a future left tackle, Iowa's Riley Reiff can play more than one position. To the Detroit Lions, Reiff is somebody who can come in and play at any of the spots on the offensive line aside from center. This versatility was a big reason why the Lions opted to go with Reiff at pick No. 23, as Jim Schwartz explained last night after the selection was made.
On Reiff's versatility: "No. 1, he's smart; No. 2, he's a good athlete; No. 3, he's big - that goes a long way. He's not a mismatch as a run-blocker or as a pass-protector. We (weren't) taking a guy that you wanted to see something else from; we liked what we saw. He is multidimensional; I think that adds to his value."
Lions general manager Martin Mayhew had something similar to say and highlighted the fact that Reiff can play four positions. Reiff himself mentioned that tidbit during his introductory conference call.
On if he considers himself a left tackle at the next level: "Absolutely. I think I could play any position on the offensive line excluding the center. Wherever I can help the team at, I'd be glad to help the team."
Reiff also said that when he came to Iowa, he was originally a defensive end/defensive tackle. Shortly after his arrival, he switched to the offensive line. He went on to play left tackle, left guard and one game at right tackle. In general, he was primarily a left tackle, which is where he hopefully will ultimately end up for the Lions. Schwartz said, "Riley is a left tackle." While he may not start off his career in Detroit at that position, it seems that is where he is expected to end up at some point in his career.
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