Patriots finally make a pick, take Derek Rivers in 3rd round

The New England Patriots have selected defensive end Derek Rivers out of Youngstown State in the 3rd round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Rivers is the first pick for the Patriots in this year's draft after they dealt their first- and second-round picks for Brandin Cooks and Kony Ealy, respectively. At 83rd overall, Rivers is the latest first pick by a team since 2012.

The Youngstown State product give New England extra pass rush help at a solid value. Rivers had been projected as a second-round pick heading into the draft.

Derek Rivers Bio:

Position: DE
School: Youngstown State
College Experience: Senior
Height: 6-4
Weight: 248 lbs

Strengths

• Dominated the FCS competition at Youngstown State, racking up 35 sacks across his final three seasons.
• Highly explosive pass-rush prospect who can win by bending the edge or converting speed to power.
• Combine numbers were particularly impressive, highlighted by a 4.61-second 40-yard dash and a sub-7 second 3-cone.

Weaknesses

• Productive as he was, the fact that the numbers were posted at a lower level of the college game will inevitably be used against him.
• Plays the run well with strength and technique, but a smaller frame may have him in for a difficult transition in that area.
• May be limited to the edge in 3-4 defenses.

Combine Results