Eric Rivers has earned the right to be drafted in the NFL.
Rivers was a walk-on defensive back at Memphis just a few years ago. Then he found his place at wide receiver, eventually becoming one of the most productive wideouts in the Group of Six while at FIU. And after going to Georgia Tech, he continued to put up great numbers.
He was also one of the fastest wide receivers at the NFL Combine. He has the tape and the physical traits of a promising prospect in the NFL.
Eric Rivers NFL Draft Projection
I project Rivers will be selected in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Atlanta Falcons or Minnesota Vikings would make sense for Rivers.
Both of those teams may want help at wide receiver but may not be willing to invest an early pick on the position. And I believe Rivers would be a superb selection on Day 3.
Eric Rivers’ 40 Time & NFL Combine Results
Rivers ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, which ranked seventh among wide receivers who participated in that drill at the NFL Combine. He also recorded a broad jump of 10 feet, 7 inches, which was 10th among 25 WRs, and a vertical jump of 37 inches, which was 14th out of 30 at his position group.
Rivers was measured at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Eric Rivers Stats & Highlights
Rivers had to work his way up depth charts to get to this point.
Rivers was a walk-on defensive back at Memphis to start his collegiate career. He played six games, mostly on special teams, as a true freshman before redshirting in 2022 with a shoulder injury.
He then transferred to FIU and played at wide receiver, becoming a Group of Five All-American and an Associated Press All-American in 2024. He tallied 1,162 yards and 12 touchdowns on 62 receptions that season. The highlight of that year was his 11-reception, 295-yard, three-touchdown performance against New Mexico State. He tallied 32 receptions for 370 yards and two TDs in 2023.
Rivers finished his collegiate career at Georgia Tech, hauling in 46 passes – tying a team lead – for 658 yards and two TDs.
Where Is Eric Rivers From?
Rivers is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He went to McCallie School.
How Old Is Eric Rivers?
Rivers is 23 years old.
Eric Rivers NFL Draft Profile & Comparison
My NFL comparison for Eric Rivers is Darnell Mooney. They’re of similar size and play the position in similar styles.
Rivers’ speed he showcased during his 40 time at the combine is clear on tape. He has the quickness to burn defenders deep downfield, but he also knows how to change his tempo to keep defenders guessing.
Rivers also has excellent hands. He dropped just three passes last season.
At 5-10, people might think Rivers will be more of a slot receiver. But he can run a solid repertoire of routes and played 73% of his snaps last season out wide.
Rivers received his best Pro Football Focus grade in 2024 while at FIU. He was eighth among FBS wide receivers (who were targeted at least 85 times) for overall offense (83.6) and ninth for receiving (85.6). He was graded at 72.7 by PFF this past season.
Rivers didn’t rack up many yards after catch compared to other elite receivers in the college game. He has speed to outrun defenders but doesn’t really make them miss in the open field. So how the NFL envisions his role once he’s drafted will be interesting.
