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With such a strong defensive line filled with great prospects this season (Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson) it is a testament to Keith Rivers to say that he was the “straw that stirred the drink”. Rivers was the leader of the defense and most importantly the back seven. *Keith Rivers Linebacker USC*
Senior 6-2 235 *Strengths:* Versatility
*Weaknesses:* Explosion off the snap *Statline:* 163 tackles with 12.5 coming for loss with 4 forced fumbles in his junior and senior seasons at USC. *Technique:* Terrific speed, although he doesn’t show the burst right off the snap he seems to constantly accelerate and can change directions with ease. *Known Injuries:* Battled an ankle injury most of the season and it forced him to miss one game. *Combine / Workout Assessment:* Coming Soon. *DJ Boyer's Analysis:* I didn’t have Rivers at the top of my linebacker charts at the beginning of the year but he has worked his way up there even though he statistically didn’t have as good of a season in 2007 as he did in 2006. A natural leader who shows flashes of brilliance and reads and reacts to plays better than any other linebacker in this class. Looks like Rivers has the frame to bulk up and add weight without affecting his speed. Seems to explode through ball carriers and is one of the better linebackers in pass coverage that is available. Has the range to play on the outside or in the middle and the team that takes him will likely try him at both positions. Has dropped some weight at USC was a little heavier when his playing days began and actually saw time as a pass rushing defensive end as a freshman. Played through nagging ankle injuries all season so toughness shouldn’t be questioned. Should eb a first round pick in April and will likely be selected in the
11-25 overall range.
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