D.J. Humphries

Florida offensive linesman D.J. Humphries could be an option for the Detroit Lions at pick No. 23 in the 2015 NFL draft.

(AP File Photo)

The Detroit Lions have expressed a willingness to move starting left tackle Riley Reiff to the opposite side of the offensive line next season, but only if they have a better blindside option on the roster.

The team is unlikely to find that option in the first round of the NFL draft, at least at their current No. 23 slot, according to ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

Asked about potential left tackles available at 23, Kiper Jr. listed three possibilities -- Stanford's Andrus Peat, Florida's D.J. Humphries and Oregon's Jake Fisher -- but quickly admitted Peat would probably already be off the board and Fisher might be a slight reach at that point.

"Jake Fisher, right now, is probably a guy that's moved up as much as anybody the last couple months," Kiper said during a Thursday conference call. "He's getting overlooked by a lot of people when you talk about mock drafts, for obvious reasons. He was projected more to be a (second-round pick), but it wouldn't shock me if he went more in the 25-to-32 range."

Fisher has a prototypical build for a left tackle, standing 6-foot-6, weighing 306 pounds and having long arms. He flashed excellent athleticism at the combine, ranking in the top five among offensive lineman in the vertical jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. He also managed to put up 25 reps in the bench press.

But Kiper seemed more confident in the value Humphries would offer the Lions at 23.

"Humphries, a pure left tackle, needs a little work, but has a lot of talent with the kind of feet he brings to that left tackle spot," Kiper said.

At 6-foot-5, 307 pounds, with equally long arms, Humphries also possesses the build teams like on the left side. He's added more than 10 pounds from his playing weight at Florida, but said he feels comfortable carrying the extra weight.

"That's the funny thing. I've actually shaved a little time off my 40(-yard dash)," he said at the combine in February. "I feel I'm moving pretty well, still moving about the same. I don't feel like I have to weigh in every time. Every time I look in the mirror, I'm like, 'Man, I'm light, I look light.' Then I get on the scale and it's like 300-plus, I'm like, 'This is a big deal.'"

Interestingly enough, the NFL draft advisory board recommend Humphries return to Florida for his senior season. Instead of heeding their advice, he's using it as motivation.

"I took it as a challenge almost," Humphries said. "They were telling me I should come back, so I'm going to show them why I should come out."

Beyond concerns about his raw technique, which can be refined with coaching, Humphries has struggled some with durability. He missed several games in 2013 with a knee injury and a sprained ankle cost him two contests last year.

But after dominating Missouri's Shane Ray last season, one of the draft's top pass-rushing prospects, it's clear Humphries has the athleticism to handle the jump to the pros.

"I think my fluid athletic ability sets me apart from other guys," Humphries said. "There's a lot of guys that are very athletic just like I am, but I think I'm very fluid in how athletic I am. I think my pass-protecting skills are my main thing that's going to make me stick out, and how quick I can get to the second level and get on linebackers and get to safeties."

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