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New England Patriots: Derek Rivers lauds Bill Belichick as ‘an awesome dude’

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots top pick Derek Rivers is already a fan of coach Bill Belichick.  The third-round pick expressed his admiration during a conference call on Friday.

Defensive end Derek Rivers is a big fan of Bill Belichick.  The New England Patriots third round draft selection praised his new head coach during an introductory conference call on Friday (April 28).

The 6-foot-4, 248-pounder out of Youngstown State said he was overwhelmed when he received the draft call from the Patriots.  That call was heightened coming from a coach he has loved and admired.

"“It was awesome, man,” Rivers said when asked what it was like meeting Belichick.  “I love everything he is and what he stands for and how he coaches, his demeanor.  I mean, He’s an awesome dude, man.  I could learn a lot from him.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

There must be things Belichick loved about Rivers to make him the top selection in this year’s draft.  While he didn’t go until the third round, Rivers was a dominant pass rusher in college.  In his final three seasons with Youngstown State, he had 36 sacks and 160 total tackles.  He has the talent to be a potential steal in the draft and knows his work ethic will be the key to success.

"“I mean, I’m a hard worker,” he said in describing himself.  “you get work ethic out of me.  I do whatever the coaches want me to do, and that’s the type of guy I am.”"

That work ethic is something he said the Patriots are getting by selecting him.  Joining a Bill Belichick coached team, it is a requirement.

Derek Rivers joins previous third-round pick Trey Flowers, veterans Rob Ninkovich and Kony Ealy as the team’s pass rushing ends. Like Flowers, he will have an opportunity to grow into the position and prove himself.

Next: Boston Red Sox: Eduardo Rodriguez finally living up to the hype

Hopefully it won’t take long for Rivers to make an impact in the NFL and show why Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots felt he was their top selection in this year’s draft.

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