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2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Edge Rushers

By Tyler Dickson

September 2, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) runs with the football against Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Willis (75) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 2, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Kansas State Wildcats quarterback Jesse Ertz (16) runs with the football against Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Jordan Willis (75) during the first quarter at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Derek Rivers – 6’4″ 248 lbs. – Youngstown State

Derek River is a small school guy with big-time ability. Coming out of High School, he only had one offer, which was from Youngstown State, and he was not a nationally ranked recruit.

Strengths:

Rivers probably has the best pass rush plan in this class. He sets up blockers with a variety of moves, and then hits them with the killer blow.

He hits lineman in their chest early so he can drive the steering wheel. Rivers plays like his hair is on fire, and has a non-stop motor. He also plays his gaps incredibly well, and can hold the edge or force his teammates to clean up.

Rivers has great balance through contact, run the arc smoothly and can get skinny through gaps. His speed to power move is above average and so is his counter move.

Weaknesses:

The level of competition he faced while at Youngstown State is a concern. There are questions if he has the needed functional strength to be an every down defensive end. On tape, his  agility only looks average.

Too often, Rivers drops his head on contact, so blockers can move him off his spot without him knowing. He’ll get caught hand fighting at times. If he comes out of his stance too high, he loses the leverage battle. And because of his length and size limitations, he can get washed off the play.

Overall:

While he might be from a small school, Derek Rivers showed on tape that he has what it takes to be a productive pass rusher in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Markus Golden

Film Score: 79.5

Athleticism Score: 7.6 (above NFL average)

Final Score: 77 (Round 1)

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