Signing, arriving at Lions camp on time was "important" to Reiff

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Riley Reiff knew how to say all the right things Monday.

Signed hours before rookies were scheduled to report to the Lions headquarters in Allen Park, the team's first round pick talked about the value of getting to camp on time.

"It was important to me. I wanted to be here when the rookies reported," Reiff said.

Reiff reportedly agreed to a four-year, $8 million deal. He was the 23rd overall pick in April's NFL Draft.

"It got done and I want to thank my agent, Tom Lewand, and the Ford family for getting it done," Reiff said of the deal.

On a day where the team dealt with the seventh arrest by a Lions player this offseason, Reiff knew how to address the questions about Aaron Berry and the preceding toubles.

"I just worry about myself and try to help the team in any way I can."

The offensive tackle said the team has not approached him to play guard, signaling what will be a competition for playing time at either tackle spot. Jeff Backus, the longtime veteran at left tackle, is coming off bicep surgery and is on the closing end of his career. At right tackle, Gosder Cherilus has struggled to maintain consistency since the team drafted him in the first round in 2008.

Reiff, at 6'6" and 300 pounds, was named a First Team All-American by Pro Football Weekly and was a First Team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media.