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Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan says lineman on track to play a lot early
June 5, 2012
By Carlos Monarrez
Lions rookie offensive lineman Riley Reiff has yet to put on pads, but so far offensive coordinator Scott Linehan likes what he sees from the team's highest draft pick this year.
The Lions held their third organized team activity open to the media Monday. As with the previous two OTAs, Reiff played only tackle. On Monday, he played left tackle with the second team, opposite Jason Fox at right tackle.
Whether Reiff challenges starting tackles Jeff Backus and Gosder Cherilus remains to be seen.
"It's still early to say who's going to play where," Linehan said. "But Riley's on track to play a lot of football for us really early. He's an exceptional talent, and he's a great kid. He's going to really help us on our offensive line. Where he ends up this year really hasn't been determined yet. But we're just happy with what we've seen so far. We think he's going to be a heck of a player."
Linehan said he is pleased overall with the offensive line. Now it could come down to whether he prefers competition or continuity.
"There's a lot of competition there," he said. "And the group that played for us last year, they've really been together now we're going on our fourth season, except for Rob (Sims). ...
"But with that added depth and competition, we're just going to be a better football team because we've added some good, young players and getting Fox back healthy and obviously we drafted Riley. I really feel good about that group and the way that group has progressed and played in our three years going on four now."
