So hey folks, last night I’m scrolling through draft tweets when Chandler Rivers’ name keeps popping up. Figured I should actually watch this dude play instead of just reading hot takes.
The Tape Grind
Started with his junior year highlights. Dude looked okay but honestly nothing special. Then I flipped on his senior bowl practice clips. Holy shit his footwork suddenly looked way faster. Like he’s sliding across the field just gliding.
Why He’s Popping Now
Turns out the kid’s been grinding hard post-college season. Pulled up some local news clips from his hometown. Local reporter said Rivers hired two private coaches:
- One for speed training – dude trimmed down his 40 time by like 0.15 seconds
- Another for route recognition stuff – he’s actually reading quarterbacks now instead of just chasing receivers
Watched six full Duke games after that. Earlier season he kept getting burned on double moves. Late season? Starts clamping dudes on 3rd downs like he’s got psychic powers. Biggest change I noticed: Instead of panicking when the ball’s in the air, he’s turning his damn head to find it.
Practice Session
Grabbed my buddy who played college ball to reenact NFL combine drills in my backyard. Had him run dig routes against me playing defense. Tried copying Rivers’ new technique – that compact backpedal with quick hips. Felt awkward as hell at first but man it creates way better coverage angles.
Final Takeaway
Teams probably slept on Rivers cause he didn’t have crazy stats or big school hype. But this ain’t about college production – it’s about raw skills coaches can mold. Saw at least three teams chatting him up at the senior game, all needing lockdown corners. My gut says round 3 or 4 somebody grabs this kid to develop. Better than taking some D2 dude who just looks good against weak competition.
