No doubt now where Rivers would play

[NePatriots]

Just an excerpt...

NE Patriots Draft: What did the Patriots coaching staff put you through during your visit?

Rivers: I spent most of my time watching film with Coach Belichick, Coach Pees and Coach Patricia. We watched the Cal game and went through my thoughts on each play from beginning to end. We also chatted about my background and what my time was like at USC. After spending time with Coach Pees and Coach Belichick, Coach Patricia and I went into another meeting room and watched the Arizona and Notre Dame games. After watching those films we went over some base alignments that the Pats run and where I'd fit in the scheme.

NE Patriots Draft: Where do you and the coaches think you would fit in the Pats 3-4 scheme?


Rivers: In their scheme there are two outside backers where Vrabel and Thomas play then in the inside they have two backers where Tedy and Junior play. I would fit in the scheme as an inside backer where Tedy and Junior play.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

I know where he would play in cincy or NO, because he is not playing for the pats..

 

[DefenseRules]

Thanks for posting that. That's where I thought that he would play if we drafted him.

 

[JoePats]

Nice job getting the interview!

 

[NePatriots]

Nice job getting the interview!

Thanks - he is a real nice guy. Too bad we can't take him at 15 or 16.

 

[mcsully]

with his low wonderlic score, I wonder after studying the tape how many questions (u know Pioli and Bill asked) he got right..

 

[NePatriots]

with his low wonderlic score, I wonder after studying the tape how many questions (u know Pioli and Bill asked) he got right..

I don't think they diagram football plays on a wonderlic

 

[IcyPatriot]

I know where he would play in cincy or NO, because he is not playing for the pats..

What you said.
He'll be an above average LB in the NFL but he's not enough of an athlete
to play inside and Belichick loves athlete on the inside. Also ... he's not big enough for the outside ... if Belichick wants an inside guy he'll go with Mayo who is a way better athlete .. of course that is if he wants a ILB in round 1. always go back to Bruschi beating out TJ for the ILB job ... because he was the better athlete who could tackle, shoot gaps and cover when needed.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

What you said.
He'll be an above average LB in the NFL but he's not enough of an athlete
to play inside and Belichick loves athlete on the inside. Also ... he's not big enough for the outside ... if Belichick wants an inside guy he'll go with Mayo who is a way better athlete .. of course that is if he wants a ILB in round 1. always go back to Bruschi beating out TJ for the ILB job ... because he was the better athlete who could tackle, shoot gaps and cover when needed.

Not enough athlete? Rivers? Dang Nut, that sex operation wasn't supposed to take brain tissue! Rivers may not be as physical as some of the other ILB prospects, but he has athleticism to spare.

 

[drew4008]

You'd have to think the Patriots would have a VERY good idea of whether or not he would be a good pick and fit in with our defense after a workout and sit-down looking/discussing film. In other words... I think we should be confident if we pick him.

 

[sebman2112]

Not enough athlete? Rivers? Dang Nut, that sex operation wasn't supposed to take brain tissue! Rivers may not be as physical as some of the other ILB prospects, but he has athleticism to spare.

I had some of those same thought go through my mind when I first read that, but we're only hours away from the draft, and there's probably no sense rehashing my opinions of players, for the 14 time.

I will list some of Rivers Combine and Pro Day numbers though (The Combine geeks should fall in love, lol):

Combine:
Height: 6'2.2"
Weight: 241lbs

Bench: 24 reps

Forty: 4.54(PD)
10 split: 1.56(PD)
Vertical: 42"
Broad jump: 10'7"
Short Shuttle: 4.38

Arms: 33"
Hands: 11"


Also, from the many scouting reports on the web:
(Scott Wright)

Excellent athleticism...Great speed with a burst to close...Quick and agile...Terrific range and makes plays sideline-to-sideline...Good frame with long arms...Motor runs non-stop and he is really active...Fluid and does a terrific job in coverage

 

[MosiT]

I know where he would play in cincy or NO, because he is not playing for the pats..

I have a hunch that he will be the pick at number 7.

 

[Sicilian]

While interesting comments, they really could be taken two ways:

The Good Way: He recognizes exactly what the responsibilities of Belichick 3-4 ILB are and thus has the football IQ to jump in and play that role fairly quickly.

The Bad Way: He THINKS he knows what the responsibilities are, and so THINKS he would fit there, while in reality he's an ILB only in other systems.

I think BB and Pioli will know the difference, thankfully.