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Detroit Lions select Riley Reiff No. 23 in 2012 NFL Draft

by Dan Kadar
Feb 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Riley Reiff runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Feb 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Riley Reiff runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Feb 25, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive lineman Riley Reiff runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

For years, many have thought the Detroit Lions should select a replacement for left tackle Jeff Backus. In Iowa's Riley Reiff, they may have one. Reiff will likely begin his career on the right side for Detroit, in place of the atrocious Gosder Cherilous.

Detroit can go after a defensive back or running back later in the draft. To take a player like Reiff is the wise move. He’ll keep quarterback Matt Stafford a little cleaner in the pocket next season.

Quick scouting notes: Reiff is a mean run blocker with a nice amount of athleticism to move around on the edge. Comes off the snap low and with a lot of power. Moves his feet around really well in both pass and run blocking.

For more on the Detroit Lions, check out Pride of Detroit. Get more from SB Nation at their 2012 NFL Draft StoryStream here.

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