NFL Free Agent Profile: Riley Reiff, OT, Detroit

Throughout the offseason, we’ll be profiling players who may end up in Denver when all is said and done with NFL Free Agency. The Broncos clearly have plenty of holes to fill before they get back to Super-Bowl form and we’ll be examining a long list of players they may choose to help the franchise do just that.

Although offensive tackle Riley Reiff has five years of NFL experience under his belt, his scouting report is all over the board. Having played as a sixth-offensive lineman during his rookie season, left tackle the following three and last season at right tackle, his ability to play all over the field is viewed as an advantage. However, by some in the league, it’s viewed as his inability to adequately play one position well enough.

As the 23rd overall pick in the 2012 draft, Reiff wasn’t the franchise left tackle that the Detroit Lions hoped they had drafted with their first-round pick, but he is a serviceable tackle—something that isn’t easy to find anymore in the NFL. Additionally, the 28-year old has established himself as an above-average run blocker, yet has struggled in pass protection.

When free agency opens on March 9, the value of a serviceable NFL tackle will be established with the contract Reiff receives.

Strengths

As mentioned earlier, Reiff is a versatile player. Having played at left tackle for three years before switching over to the right side—at the Lions’ request—shows his ability to play both positions—a skill that is highly viewed upon around the league. Additionally, there is a belief that he could move inside to guard if needed, however, during free agency he will be courted as a tackle.

Moving inside could actually improve his play significantly as his biggest strength by far is his run blocking. At both tackle positions Reiff excelled in the ground game—enough so to put him as a top five offensive tackle available on the market. Also, he is a reliable player, only missing three games in his five-year career.

Weaknesses

The biggest reason for Reiff to move inside to guard would be to protect him from edge rushers—his most glaring weakness. As both a left and right tackle, speed rushers on the outside gave Reiff the most grief. In fact, his inability to handle pass rushers on the outside was a major factor into the decision to move him from the left side of the line to the right side.

How he fits in Denver

Reiff fills the Denver Broncos’ greatest need this offseason: offensive line help, specifically at either tackle position. While it is almost certain that general manager John Elway will sign at least one tackle in free agency, it’s uncertain if Reiff fits what the Broncos are looking for.

After unsuccessfully experimenting with average tackles last year in free agency—Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson—it wouldn’t seem likely that Elway would want to go down that route again. However, if the price is right for Reiff, the Broncos may have a hard time saying no to a starting-caliber tackle.