Evaluating the Detroit Lions’ draft after two days

When the Detroit Lions were called to the podium yesterday, even I had no idea whose name guest announcer Calvin Johnson would call.  When he said the name Riley Reiff, I probably got more excited than most. Sure, drafting an offensive lineman doesn’t draw the applause a quarterback does, but it was a major need for Detroit and Reiff can play. Reiff was considered by most, myself included, as the second-best offensive lineman in the draft, and I didn’t see him being around at pick number 23.  When he was, GM Martin Mayhew couldn’t pass on the talented tackle from Iowa. Head coach Jim Schwartz and Mayhew agree that Reiff can play four positions (guard and tackle on each side of the line), and will compete with the Lions aging line to start right away. Reiff was a player that I didn’t see the Lions drafting, but only because I figured he would be off the board. Overall, I would rate Reiff as a pleasant surprise.  The Lions got a solid guy and a solid talent later in the first round; s...