New England Patriots: Derek Rivers, Antonio Garcia Bring Small School Heart to Foxboro

The New England Patriots drafted two small school products on Friday night in Derek Rivers and Antonio Garcia. Both will bring a small school heart and fight to Foxboro.

New England Patriots fans had to wait a long time for their team to make a pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Just as they were about to be on the clock with the 72nd overall pick, the Patriots traded it to the Tennessee Titans. They moved down 11 spots while also swapping a sixth round selection (200) for one in the fourth (124).

With the 83rd overall pick in the draft the Patriots got a steal. Bill Belichick selected Youngstown State defensive end Derek Rivers. Almost immediately after, the Patriots were on the clock once again.

New England took the 124th pick they had just received from Tennessee, paired it with their 96th pick, and sent the package to Detroit. In exchange, the Lions sent the Patriots the 85th pick. New England then chose offensive tackle Antonio Garcia from Troy.

Both Rivers and Garcia could have gone in the second round of the draft had things shaken out differently, so I’m sure Belichick was ecstatic that both were still available to him in round three.

DE Derek Rivers

This year’s NFL Draft was loaded with premier pass rushers. The New England Patriots got theirs.

In 2016, Derek Rivers racked up 14 sacks in the FCS. He’s extremely quick off the edge and has tremendous closing speed. Rivers had a stellar NFL Combine, and he looks to have the skills to be able to make it in the NFL against elite offensive lineman.

The only reason Rivers lasted this long in the draft was uncertainty in his abilities against top competition. At Youngstown State, some of the teams he faced were not the best, but he also was able to tally a few sacks against FBS teams in his career.

Rivers faced West Virginia last season, his only 2016 game against an FBS opponent. He was able to pressure the QB six times, while also recording two defensive stops.

Though he doesn’t have as much tape against elite competition, the Patriots obviously loved what they saw.

The 6’4″ 248 pound edge rusher can line up either on the line, or as a linebacker for the Patriots. He will likely play a role similar to that of Rob Ninkovich.

Rivers himself knows just how versatile he can be.

"“I am a pass rusher first but, I am also styled on the run. I can set the edge and my versatility helps me be able to cover. I tried to show a little of that at the senior bowl. I can play in a 3-4 or a 4-3.”"

OT Antonio Garcia

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Just two picks after selecting Rivers, the Patriots took Troy OT Antonio Garcia. He’s an absolute steal!

Garcia was projected as a clear second rounder, and some think he has an extremely high ceiling in the NFL. He’s extremely athletic, as he was a basketball star in high school.

It’s well documented that Garcia plays until the final whistle. He’s not the type of player that will take a play or two off. Each snap he is on the field for, you get Garcia’s greatest effort.

One of his “weaknesses” heading into the NFL Draft is that he’s sometimes “too agressive”. That sounds like a great problem for the Patriots to have. Garcia will need to bulk up, and improve some of his technical work, and he’s in a great place in Foxboro where he will have time to develop.

Garcia will not be counted on to contribute right away and he can develop behind Nate Solder with help from Dante Scarnecchia. Solder though, is in the last year of his deal, so perhaps the Patriots are preparing for their future left tackle.

Next: Patriots Select DE Derek Rivers

The New England Patriots, and their fans, are wicked excited about these two picks. Derek Rivers will contribute right away in 2017, and Garcia could soon be Tom Brady’s blindside protector.

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