Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State: Scouting Report
The Youngstown Penguins standout, Derek Rivers, is looking to make waves as an FCS prospect in the NFL draft, here’s a look at what he brings to the table.
Prospect Overview: Derek Rivers didn’t take the path of the usual prospect. He’s an FCS prospect with incredible physical traits, and the stat lines to boot that make him an intriguing developmental prospect in this year’s deep edge class. Rivers played linebacker and tight end at Kinston High School in North Carolina and also played basketball there as well.
From there he spent a semester at Fork Union Military Academy instead of redshirting at Youngstown State, and then went on to play four seasons for the Penguins while also getting his degree in communication studies. Upon graduating from Youngstown State, he has entered the NFL Draft with the hopes of being the next big time small school prospect.
Rivers earned first team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors all three seasons he started with the Penguins, and posted impressive numbers with 37.5 sacks and 56.5 tackles for loss. He also showed the ability to create turnovers with three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. After taking an unusual path to the draft, he is looking to make a splash come April 27th.
Measurables:
Height 6’4″
Weight 248 lbs.
Arm Length 32 3/4″
Hand Size 9 3/8″
Combine Results:
40-Yd Dash 4.61 seconds
3 Cone Drill 6.94 seconds
20-Yd Shuttle 4.40 seconds
60-Yd Shuttle 12.43 seconds
Bench Press Reps (225 lbs.) 30
Broad Jump 123″
Vertical Jump 35″
Games Watched:
2016-Northern Iowa, Illinois State, West Virginia, North Dakota State
2015- North Dakota State
Strengths:
He was a consistent high level producer at Youngstown State and it led him to a first team All Missouri Valley selection. Hard worker on and off the field, high football character and wowed GMs in combine interviews.
Terrorized quarterbacks his last three years of college with 35 sacks in 39 games. Has a tremendous motor, and is a great athlete who has great speed rush ability. Can be disruptive in the gaps, and has the pursuit speed to chase down backs.
Has the flexibility to dip and bend around the edge and tackle, look for him to be selected earlier than expected.
Weaknesses:
Lost awareness after getting around the edge, needs to hone in his focus and get a better situational awareness, especially when containing gaps. Slow to disengage, has trouble getting off blocks once he’s locked up.
Not a fluid athlete, can improve in that sense. Doesn’t have loose hips, tight hipped when rushing, and can put himself in bad angles and positions of attack. Has long arms but doesn’t use them to his advantage, gets stuck in neutral and gets swallowed up in the run game.
Player Comparison: Jason Pierre-Paul
Projection: Late 2nd – 3rd Round