Detroit Lions 'Ask Anwar' questions: Is Riley Reiff ready to step in?

Anwar S. Richardson | By Anwar S. Richardson |
Follow on Twitter
on May 08, 2013 at 1:02 PM, updated May 08, 2013 at 1:05 PM
Riley Reiff Detroit Lions fans remain unsure about Riley Reiff playing left tackle this season.  

Here are more answers about the Detroit Lions from our readers:

Q: "Who's gonna fill Justin Durant's linebacker slot? Will it be (Tahir) Whitehead or (Ashlee) Palmer?" -- Eric

A: My guess, and I do mean guess, right now is Palmer, but that is purely based on his experience. Palmer has been in Detroit's system since 2010, played on special teams, and the next step in his progression should be a chance to prove himself as a starter. We need to see both guys battle it out during the preseason.

Q: "The Lions must be happy with whom they have at RT by not talking to guys like Winston (Justice), (Tyson) Clabo or (Bryant) McKinnie (not in great shape but worked out for Ravens well) for LT. I know a lot probably has to do with money, but I think any one of the veterans can help." -- Lucas

A: We all thought that last week, but considering Justice is visiting the facility today, it appears Detroit is trying to add depth on its offensive line.

Q: "Greetings. Michael from Tampa (and Lions fan since 1963). What are the chances that someone 'else' starts at center this season (i.e., Nagy)?" -- Michael

A: Michael, are you sipping margaritas on Clearwater Beach with Wayne Fontes in Tampa Bay? I used to see him around town often. To answer your question, no way Dominic Raiola gets beat out by anyone this year. He has one more year remaining on his contract, and I expect him to retire as a Lion.

Q: "How do you see the Lions offensive tackle situation working out this year, do you see (Reily) Reiff being our LT of the future or do you think he is better set at RT?" -- Hurrell

A: This is one question I received a lot of e-mails about. When Detroit was unable to snag a left tackle in the NFL draft, Reiff became the starter in 2013. I expect Detroit to give him as many reps on the left side this offseason to get him comfortable with protecting Matthew Stafford this season. Even if the Lions drafted a left tackle, Stafford would still have an unproven player protecting his blindside. Reiff was viewed by many NFL scouts as a guy who would have a long and successful pro career, and considering how much he played last year, I am satisfied. Will he shutdown Jared Allen? No, but who does that consistently?

Q: "What Powerball numbers should I play this week?" -- C Sims

A: That's easy: 9 (Stafford), 21 (Reggie Bush), 26 (Louis Delmas), 51 (Raiola), 55 (Stephen Tulloch) - Power Play: 13 (Nate Burleson)

Q: "If there aren't any big issues regarding any player's health, how many games do you think the lions are capable of winning against such a tough schedule?"- Ankur

A: Ankur, every year we look at a schedule before the season to determine if it's tough, and then teams like Minnesota and Seattle become harder opponents than anybody expected. The Lions have enough talent to win 10 games. Sure, there are some holes, but every team has deficiencies. If that wasn't the case, teams would opt out the NFL draft every year. It is up to Detroit's coaching staff to get the most out of this team, because the talent seems there.

Q: Why don't the Lions offer a 2014 draft choice to the Jaguars for their current left tackle, Eugene Monroe? He has a year left on his salary, and since they just drafted a stud LT, it seems it would be in their best interest to get something for him. -- Jim

A: The Jaguars have not offered Monroe an extension, so Detroit can snag him next offseason without giving up a draft pick. Why give Jacksonville a first-round pick for a guy who they may just let walk?

Q: "The defensive end position has gone from a veteran group to a young group. Why not re-sign (Kyle) Vanden Bosch to the veteran minimum? He has a great motor for 20 snaps a game and would be an effective mentor for younger players." -- Caker from Canada

A: The Lions determined Vanden Bosch's motor was too old to restore, which is why they released him. Considering no other NFL team has signed Vanden Bosch, the Lions are not alone in their assessment.

Q: Who has the edge for the kicking role Kickalicous or David Akers? -- Stacie

A: Harvard Rugland's video is awesome, but Akers is a veteran kicker. I cannot see the Harlem Globetrotter of kicking beating out Akers.

Q: "Why is Jahvid Best still a Lion? He's never going to play again. It doesn't make sense to me." -- Dan

A: It's all about getting Best accrued seasons for benefits after football. The Lions are just taking care of their own, which is commendable. If you are a skeptic, considering all the concussion lawsuits against the NFL, the last thing you want to do is anger a player who might find a reason to sue you down the line.

Q: "Has Brandon Pettigrew made any strides since last season? (Tony) Scheffler looked like he won the starting spot, but they seem to want Brandon starting. Why is that? -- Adam out

A: Adam, sounds like you're listening to Jim Rome a little too much with that 'out' reference. Okay, the Lions still consider Pettigrew their best option at tight end. Scheffler is still a good pass-catching option, and Stafford spreads the ball around.

Q: "Will the Lions continue their humanitarian quest to improve the NFL rule book by losing a game for a fourth year in a row on a rule that will be immediately changed after the season?" -- Jason

A: Well, we all know the Lions have made losing into an art form, and even Salvador Dali would bet on a surrealistic loss in 2013, followed by a rule change next year.

Q:" I do like what they did in this draft - like Ansah's 'speed to power' and size over the other DEs, like how they got a big CB and still got their guard in the third. It all feels right. But something's oh so very familiar about this ... Oh yeah, that's right, I've felt this way EVERY YEAR FOR THE PAST THIRTY YEARS. Delusion? Denial? Help me believe this year's different?!" -- Doug

A: We've all had relationships where you break up with the person and hope things are different when you get back together. Unfortunately, things usually go back to normal. Doug, you and the Lions will reconcile against the Minnesota Vikings on September 8. I really believe things can be different for you guys this time around. If it does not work out this season, it's time to lower your expectations.

I gave you my opinion on several topics. What is your take on subjects like Reiff, Best, and Palmer?