Riley Reiff 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Our work is never finished here at Mocking the Draft as we are already looking to 2012.  The summer will feature a lot of prospect evaluations that we will build upon during the season.

Riley Reiff
6'6, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Iowa

First word: My notes below do not paint a pretty picture but I do feel Reiff has some potential.  The fact is that Reiff is just not a very good athlete and has a lot of holes in his game.  He struggles to get off the football which impacts his ability to both pass protect and reach defenders in the running game.  His lack of snap awareness gives the defender a jump off the ball limiting Reiff's ability to reach the edge.  Combined this with the fact that he doesn't have quick feet and you are faced with constant edge pressure. 

Reiff lacks great balance and leverage which really impacts his ability to anchor and create a push.  In pass protection, he takes long unbalanced steps impacting his ability to change direction and mirror.  He is able to generate an average push off the line but that is because of his tenacity and strong initial jolt.

Overall, Reiff needs to make adjustments in order to be considered a top tackle prospect in the 2012 NFL draft.  In my opinion, he would be a liability on the left side as speed rushers will easily create pressure.  I also feel he will struggle at guard because he doesn't have a natural bend limiting his leverage.

Bold statement: Reiff will play either right tackle or guard in the NFL.

Games viewed: Arizona ('10), Michigan State ('10), Penn State ('10)

Riley Reiff
6'6, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Iowa

Notes:

• Reiff is a hard-nosed nasty player that loves to finish blocks
• He has a strong power punch and rolls his hips into the defender
  
• Reiff has nice long arms that help him lock out defenders
• While, Reiff has long arms he doesn't do a good job extending and utilizing that length
• He isn't a fluid athlete and struggles to bend and sit into his stance
• His lack of bend impacts his balance and ability to anchor after contact
• He also plays with a high pad level hindering his leverage
• A lot of his issues begin with his lack of snap awareness
• Defenders routinely beat him off the football limiting his ability to reach the edge against speed rushers
• His lack of awareness also allows the defender to get inside and penetrate the pocket
• Reiff doesn't move his feet well and takes long unbalanced steps
• His lack of foot quicks lead to Reiff becoming unbalanced and trying to recover with his hands
• Reiff is just not a fluid athlete