Don Banks updated NFL mock draft

[mcsully]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/04/17/mock.draft6.one/index.html

*PROJECTED TRADE WITH BENGALS* As outlined at No. 7, I've got the Patriots trading down with the Bengals, who couldn't afford to take the chance that New Orleans would make a deal with New England and land Ellis. The Patriots love Rivers and feel the ex-Trojan can play both inside and outside, just the kind of versatility that New England's defense requires. The Patriots would likely have Rivers line up inside, which would allow them to shift Adalius Thomas back outside, which is where his play-making impact has been the greatest.

 

[WhiZa]

Rivers would be fitting given the fact the past 14 years #55 was worn by a USC alumni.

 

[JoePats]

How would Rivers compare as a pass rusher to some of the conversion guys discussed? He seems to be a little faster but not as strong, as you would expect. Most have thought he'd play inside for us but if he is going to play outside too he would need to rush the quarterback.

 

[SunnyDenmark]

How would Rivers compare as a pass rusher to some of the conversion guys discussed? He seems to be a little faster but not as strong, as you would expect. Most have thought he'd play inside for us but if he is going to play outside too he would need to rush the quarterback.

hope this answers your question (source Pat Kirwan)
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story?id=09000d5d807cd625&template=with-video&confirm=true

Rivers had a great pro day last week when he had a vertical leap of 42 inches to go along with excellent drill work. He fits in the 3-4 scheme as well as a 4-3. He is not considered a candidate to call the defense as a middle linebacker in a 3-4 and he isn't a distinguished pass rusher, but he is capable of being a backer who will produce 100-plus tackles each season. Weakside backers in a 4-3 defense who can run like Rivers are in the 6-foot, 230-pound range. Rivers could be a bigger version of Derrick Brooks. Draft projection: Round 1.

 

[Kontradiction]

"Bigger version of Derrick Brooks" is all I need to hear.

 

[SunnyDenmark]

"Bigger version of Derrick Brooks" is all I need to hear.

You had me at "Hello Derrick".