Riley Reiff
6’6, 300 pounds | Offensive tackle | Iowa
Riley Reiff 2012 NFL Draft scouting report
Agility/movement: He has the foot quickness to get out of his stance fast on quick snap plays. He has good agility to slide his feet side to side along the line to mirror the pass rusher. He keeps his feet under him using a good base and flexible knee bend. He has the initial quickness to pull and to also get to the 2nd level and then eliminate the defender with a good block.
Pass blocking: He sets up quickly using good leverage, wide base, and strong anchor then absorbs the initial contact and pushes the pass rusher around the pocket. He uses his hands aggressively, but needs to show a stronger hand punch to jolt the defender. He anchors well against the inside rush using his good playing strength, leverage, and base to stop the defender from getting a push inside. He sometimes does not show consistent effort against speed rushers and will give the pass rusher an opportunity to pressure the QB.
Quickness: Reiff has good initial quickness and gets out of his stance fast. His quick feet and adequate athleticism helps him to get to the 2nd level and block well in open space. He has the playing speed to get out quickly on outside runs when pulling. He gets his hands up fairly quick to pass block and once he gets his hands on the defender he can control him and steer him away from the pocket.
Run blocking: He is not always dominant on in-line blocks, but finds away consistently to eliminate his man from making the play. He is more of a technician than a drive blocker. He can get thru to the 2nd level and block the linebackers out of play. He can make the kick out block out in space well on toss and pitch runs designed to get outside. He needs to show a little more aggression and finish blocks thru the whistle.
Strength: Reiff has the playing strength and anchors well against the bull rushers to keep them from pressuring the pocket. He is not a mauler in the running game, but gets low using good knee bend and hands to jolt the defender backwards. He needs to get stronger in his lower body to be able to handle the 5 technique defensive ends in the running game.
Technique: Reiff needs better hand placement technique use against speed rushers. He has good footwork and agility to play either the left or right tackle position. He does not always use a good hand punch in pass pro and will grab outside the rusher’s shoulder to turn and tie man up sometimes.
Final word: Reiff has the foot quickness, balance, playing strength, and flexibility to play either tackle position. He was a three time heavyweight wrestling champion in high school which shows me he has the strength and the no quit attitude to be successful. He should immediately improve a NFL team’s offensive line unit with his versatility and overall toughness. He will be a solid pro for years to come.
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