2017 NFL Draft: New England Patriots Select DE Derek Rivers With 83rd Overall Pick

The New England Patriots chose not to move up into the first or second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, instead they traded down and they’ve now made their first selection with the 83rd overall pick.

With the 83rd overall pick in round three of the 2017 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots have selected DE Derek Rivers from Youngstown State.

The Youngstown State product will be a fantastic addition, and he addresses the team’s top need in New England.

I am extremely pleased with this pick, as every Patriots fans should be. They filled a need with a versatile player. Here is Lance Zeirlein’s take on Rivers from NFL.com:

"“Motor-based edge rusher with some tightness in his hips who used efficient hands and consistent effort to whip the competition in front of him. Rivers may lack the length and agility to be a consistent, stand-up rusher on the next level, but he has the talent to find a spot as a backup who could work his way into a more prominent role with time.”"

Coming out of the Missouri Valley Conference, Derek Rivers will need to prove he can play in the NFL. He will be able to learn from Kony Ealy and Rob Ninkovich among others in Foxboro. The Patriots will likely add even more pass rushers, so this should be a fun training camp.

Next: Patriots Possible Picks

The New England Patriots next selection in the 2017 NFL Draft will came at 85th overall, so we didn’t have to wait too long. They traded up to land another prospect in Antonio Garcia.