Lions Nation: Grading our players

[lionstop1]

Let's attempt to gauge where we are as a team, talent-wise. Every couple of days lets give some opinions about individual players on the Lions roster so we can have a little fun.

Use the grading scale I've provided below and from there, I will get the average score for each player after a day or two. I'd like to have at least 15 responses to this.

Today I'll start with Riley Rieff

Rank 1-10 with 10 being the highest. Include percentages (.1.2.3.4.5) if you believe player is between certain levels.

1- Bad player. Should not be on a NFL roster.
2- Tackling dummy or jock carrier.
3- Nothing more than a practice squad player.
4- Low level backup player.
5- Quality backup or role player with no starting potential.*
6- Starter but easily upgradeable.
7- Mid level starter, with potential as a high level starter.
8- High level starter, with All-Pro potential.
9- Consistent All-Pro player.
10- Potential Hall of Fame player.

 

[tpaulus_2]

I'll give him a 7.8


He was very good this year, zero penalties I believe, and I think only 3 sacks given up.


I think he's on the verge of being a "high level starter."

 

[Mebert]

7. I like Rieff, probably more than most. I am comfortable with him protecting the QB blind side for the next 7-10 years.

 

[broncosmitty]

7.2

No issues with him. Liked how he was used as a rookie tbh.

His predecessor peaked at 7.1, I think Reif has plenty of time and ability to improve. But I think we'll see him move again before age forces him inside.

 

[lionstop1]

7.5

I think Rieff is solid but I'd like to see a bit more power from him in the run game and control that edge. I think he has some more room to grow into a better player.

 

[Dr. Evil-er]

7 as a LT but wonder if he might be a 9 at LG

 

[Gulf of Brazil]

a 7.0 There's still room for him to improve in both pass-pro and run-blocking. He's only 2 years in as a starter and still learning the nuances of a LT at pro-level.

 

[LionsWhyMe]

and I think only 3 sacks given up.

Out of those 3 sacks... one came during the Playoffs from the Cowboys.
4th Quarter, 4th and 3 on Dallas 42 yd line with 1 minute left on the clock to end the Lions Season.

 

[themuzzer]

7 and 1/16th.

 

[tpaulus_2]

7 and 1/16th.

More like 7.0625

 

[themuzzer]

More like 7.0625

I worked in konstruckshun not at MIT......I'll stand by 7 and 1/16th.......Measure twice cut once.

 

[tpaulus_2]

I work with both fractions and decimals every day. You wouldn't believe how often engineers mix the two on a single print or assembly. Pain in the ass sorting between the two...

 

[LPinSLC]

7. Meow, I'd prefer to keep Reif @LT as a 7 Vs. a 9 @ a less important position. A guaranteed 7 on the blindside is far more valuable. A 9 @LG with a ? @LT is not the line to have.

 

[LPinSLC]

Having said that, the line having chemistry is crucial. We saw Backus improve dramatically with an efficient Sims. Sims decline and Raiola being Raiola, left that left interior awful. Continuity will improve by just having replacements that provide effort.

 

[lionstop1]

I agree LP.

No need to move Rieff inside. I like putting a rising talent next to him.

 

[LPinSLC]

7.5

I think Rieff is solid but I'd like to see a bit more power from him in the run game and control that edge. I think he has some more room to grow into a better player.

By your rating scale, he is on the cusp of stardom. Of your desired improvements I hold more value on the edge. An adequate/good LG will help improve a LT overall success. The edge is where A LT makes his money.

 

[Dr. Evil-er]

7. Meow, I'd prefer to keep Reif @LT as a 7 Vs. a 9 @ a less important position. A guaranteed 7 on the blindside is far more valuable. A 9 @LG with a ? @LT is not the line to have.

Fair enough. I don't see him ever being a dominate LT though. A slight upgrade over the past. Backus 2.1

I wonder (cause I certainly don't know) if he could however be dominate inside. Thus my wanting a versatile o-lineman pick to determine the best players at their best position to build the best o-line.

 

[Old Lion]

I am OK with trying Lucas as the LT and Reiff as the LG. Lucas looked good for a game and a half filling in for Reiff, is longer and has upside too. Might be worth a shot.

 

[Quackerjacked]

Let's attempt to gauge where we are as a team, talent-wise. Every couple of days lets give some opinions about individual players on the Lions roster so we can have a little fun.

Use the grading scale I've provided below and from there, I will get the average score for each player after a day or two. I'd like to have at least 15 responses to this.

Today I'll start with Riley Rieff

Rank 1-10 with 10 being the highest. Include percentages (.1.2.3.4.5) if you believe player is between certain levels.

1- Bad player. Should not be on a NFL roster.
2- Tackling dummy or jock carrier.
3- Nothing more than a practice squad player.
4- Low level backup player.
5- Quality backup or role player with no starting potential.*
6- Starter but easily upgradeable.
7- Mid level starter, with potential as a high level starter.
8- High level starter, with All-Pro potential.
9- Consistent All-Pro player.
10- Potential Hall of Fame player.

I think the top of the scale is a little broken. A consistent all pro player is not just a potential HOF player, but a probable HOF player. 8 should be a high level starter with pro bowl potential. 9 should be a consistent pro bowler with all pro potential. 10 should be a consistent All-pro because. A lot of HOF guys were only All pro a few times. All pro generally means top one or two at their positions. For example Barry Sanders was All Pro six times while being a hands down top 5 at his position all time.

I think that Reiff is a 7.5 to 8 on that scale. I think he is pretty damned good. He does a very good job in the run game, even though he isn't physically dominating. He's very effective in the pass game even if again he isn't physically dominating. He reminds me of a less dickish John Runyan. He may never be considered the best in the league, but even if he stayed where he is talent level, we're going to need a stand out to replace him. I'd actually prefer to keep him at LT than move him inside. I'd rather have him and a solid left guard than sign say a Joe Thomas and move him inside.

He does his job very well with little press clippings. That's perfect, we don't have to spend a boatload on him while getting very effective play from a very important position.

 

[gandydancer]

I worked in konstruckshun not at MIT......I'll stand by 7 and 1/16th.......Measure twice cut once.

Can we measure Bush and Tulloch twice please?