Chandler Rivers

● Coordinated mover to mirror and match from press ● Gets nosy mid-route and makes receivers uncomfortable ● Stays alert in off coverage to process route combinations ● Loves to compete and finds a way to play through the hands of receivers ● Quick trigger-and-drive mechanics to jump throws (pair of pick sixes in his career) ● Detonates screen attempts and plays a lot more physical than he looks ● Coachable kid with strong character feedback (NFL scout: “He always led by example with his work, but he became more vocal as a senior.”) ● Robust resume (29 career passes defended and 45 starts) ● Experienced lining up both outside and inside

● Short and narrowly built, with mediocre muscle bulk ● Lack of length shows vs. size — receivers will grab well-placed throws over his head ● Handsy approach will be tougher to get away with in NFL ● Slight stall at the top of his drop when reacting to curls/comebacks ● Attacks run like a rottweiler but size leaves him at a disadvantage when tackling bigger bodies

A starter for three-and-a-half years at Duke, Rivers primarily lined up outside (with some nickel work) in defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke’s scheme. He earned his way onto the field as a true freshman cornerback for the Blue Devils, and he now leaves Durham as one of the top cornerbacks in school history. He didn’t miss a game because of injury (3,588 career snaps) and was an important part of Duke’s first ACC championship since 1962. 529 Back to table of contents -- 533 of 629 -- Rivers turns you off with his size, but then immediately draws you back in with his on-field play. He transitions cleanly in press man to stay in phase, annoy receivers and position his body to contest throws. He reads the quarterback well from depth, with the burst to close and very little wasted movement when he trusts his instincts. He is a missile in run support, although his lack of size severely limits his margin for error as a tackler. He likes to be coached and has the mental toughness to bounce back quickly after a misstep. Overall, Rivers is a spirited, undersized cornerback with the fluidity and foot quickness to stay attached in coverage and compete at the catch point. His lack of size will limit his landing spots, but he has a long NFL career awaiting him.