The Buffalo Bills will reportedly be inviting an edge rusher from the FCS ranks to One Bills Drive. Damond Talbot of NFL Draft Diamonds had the news a couple of weeks ago, though Buffalo Rumblings has been unable to find a corroborating report.
The 6’4” 248 Rivers was Youngstown State’s star edge rusher, working from left defensive end for most of his college career. From 2013 through 2016, he racked up 38.5 sacks and 55 tackles for loss. He starred in the Senior Bowl practices and had an excellent Combine workout, and now analysts project him as a top 100 pick in the draft.
The Bills already have two starting edge rushers in Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson, but the depth behind them is either old or unproven. Rivers would give them a high-potential swing defensive end to have as a third option. He has outstanding play strength, gets great leverage, and has excellent burst. If he can improve his handfighting technique, he can be a starter in the NFL.
It could just be coincidence, but the Bills may have interest in another Youngstown State player. The Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson reported a couple weeks ago that 6’2” cornerback David Rivers (no relation) had scheduled a private workout with an AFC East team. None of the other AFC East teams have had any reported interest in a Youngstown State player so far in the offseason. Could Buffalo, with their needs in the secondary, be that mystery team?