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Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Watch: Youngstown State EDGE Derek Rivers

By Logan Bryson

Sep 10, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Howard (3) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Youngstown State Penguins at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Skyler Howard (3) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Youngstown State Penguins at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Team Fit

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert speaks to the media at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

How do you think Kevin Colbert and the Steeler’s Scouting Staff will view River’s absolute domination of inferior competition on tape?

I for one believe they will take a similar approach to how they rated Javon Hargrave. Despite the inflated production, Rivers has a legitimate NFL skill set that would allow him to win against higher levels of competition. Just look to his dominant week at Senior Bowl practices as proof. At Mobile, he quickly separated himself as one of the best EDGE rushers during that week of practice.

In terms of team fit, Rivers is an easy projection to play as a 3-4 OLB if drafted by the Steelers. His ability to win the EDGE as a stand up rusher will greatly appeal to Pittsburgh.

Additionally, his blend of athleticism and strength will greatly compliment Bud Dupree off the edge. Despite several areas of needed improvement to his game, Rivers has all the natural talents that will make NFL positional coaches salivate. That is why I believe that Pittsburgh will have interest in Rivers, as he has the same size/strength/speed combination that attracted them to Dupree. Moreover, I would even argue that Rivers has more refined pass rushing abilities at this point than Dupree had coming out of Kentucky.

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To sum it up, Rivers is an ideal EDGE prospect for Pittsburgh to target on Day 2. Moreover, despite the concerns over strength of competition, it wouldn’t shock me to see Rivers name scroll across the screen at pick #30. He’s everything you want out of an EDGE rusher, so why not take the risk?

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