After a never-ending wait, the Patriots finally made their first selection of the 2017 NFL Draft taking Derek Rivers, a DE/OLB out of Youngstown State 83rd overall.
This fills what I considered their biggest need of draft — replacing Jamie Collins. Rivers isn’t quite the combine freak Collins was, but he’s not far behind. He played mostly as a hand-down left defensive end in college, but has the athleticism that he should be able to play in space a bit for the Pats.
And oh yeah, he’s a PASS RUSHER and who doesn’t love those? The front seven needed a bit of an athletic boost and that’s just what they’re getting from Rivers after some time to develop.
Remember it took Collins a full 2013 regular season to get comfortable. Then, in the playoffs, he started making game-changing plays against the Colts. Rivers might need some time like that, but he looks like a consistent fundamental football player who can get off on a hair trigger.
He plays with a strong base and looks like he can hold up well at the point of attack. But really, it will be getting after QBs that gets him on the field first. Rivers is known for a “dip-and-rip” move as Doug Farrar put it that is deadly for opposing tackles.
The Patriots have now filled the void of Sheard and Long with Ealy and Rivers.
Consistent, high-level production as a starter. Plays the same way from snap to snap and plays with high football character. Strikes with quick upward punch under tackle’s shoulders to stake a leverage claim on the edge. Good burst out of stance as pass rusher. Rushes with lean and dips low to propel himself around the edge at his fourth step. Creates speed-to-power push with a second gear into contract. Works to uncover outside shoulder and spill play-side runs to the boundary. Adequate power for stand-up linebacker on next level. Flashes disruptive qualities in gaps. Adequate pursuit speed.
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28-3/34-28 Hoodie-less Sweatshirt
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