DEREK RIVERS DRAFT UPDATE

Former Youngstown State defensive end Derek Rivers was not selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft but is not expected to be selected until the second of third round according to projections from NFL.com and CBSsports.com.

Rivers traveled home this week to be with his family in North Carolina for the draft.

According to his draft profile on the NFL’s website, Rivers is “consistent” and showcased ‘high-level production as a starter.”

Youngstown State head football coach Bo Pelini said Wednesday night Rivers has a professional attitude as a prospect and doesn’t vary much from day to day. Rivers’ NFL.com draft profile agrees saying Rivers “Plays the same way from snap to snap and plays with a high-football character.”

Listed weaknesses for Rivers includes gap awareness and issues when matched up against length on the offensive line. Rivers also has a tendency to play with his head down after initial contact which can cause him to lose sight of running backs.

While his NFL.com draft profile says Rivers uses his hands efficiently and showed consistent effort despite hip tightness, he is expected to be a backup initially and work his way into a larger role given time.

The second round of the NFL Draft begins today at 7 p.m.

VIndicator staff report