With the 9th pick of the 2008 NFL Draft, the Bengals select USC LB Keith Rivers

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 4:08 PM EDT in NFL Draft Comment 27 comments

As much as Curnutte's word in his blog post wanted us to believe that the Bengals didn't think highly of Keith Rivers, with their first-round pick, the Cincinnati Bengals select... Keith Rivers.

PERSONALY, like I said in the comments, I like this pick. Like many, I don't believe that Rivers seems like a godly play-blowin' up defensive player. What I do believe is that the team drafted a character guy (I hate that term), with leadership qualities and a stabilizing force for the linebackers group as a whole -- if not, the entire defense. We haven't had that guy at linebacker since Odell Thurman's rookie season nor do we have leadership qualities on the defense as a whole.

Again, it might not be sexy, but this pick will give the Bengals stability and leadership on defense for a long time. And we've desperately needed that. Worth it.

For the Team. I think through many discussions, most people believe this to be a safe pick. The Bengals lost several linebackers through free agency -- while Landon Johnson was the only real "loss" -- but signed very middle-of-the-road talent to one-year deals. With two fast bookends, the Bengals have a potential Odell Thurman, Ahmad Brooks and Keith Rivers look on opening day. And if the team goes after a big defensive tackle in the second round, the potential 3-4 make-up seems somewhat possible -- though still highly unlikely.

Marvin Lewis press conference with assistant coaches on drafting Keith Rivers. Main things to point out is that the coaches believe he's a first-year starter that will play at any of the three linebacker spots and be an All-Pro for many seasons in this league.

Here's YouTube video of Rivers.

What does this mean? Rivers will be the team's 12th linebacker -- seven of whom will be free agents after this season. The Bengals would likely play Rivers on weak-side, keep Brooks over the middle while Jeanty is the leading man at strong-side. Thurman is definitely expected to force himself somewhere while Eric Henderson becomes a questionable project. Would they take Henderson back to defensive end and add to the Antwan Odom, Robert Geathers rotation?

Keith Rivers reacts on his blog.

This is an absolutely surreal experience. I am numb right now. I'm not sure what to do - jump up and down or cry - I'm just so excited about being a Cincinnati Bengal. Coach Marvin Lewis made the call. When my phone rang it was an unknown number and I had some friends calling before that so I wasn't sure if I should answer it. I was thrilled to get the call. My agent called after that and told me Carson Palmer was jumping up and down. I will be too - I'm a Cincinnati Bengal!

Linebackers coach, Jeff FitzGerald: "He's a face of the franchise."

Here's Keith's reaction.

Reaction:

Matt at Bengals GAB says of Rivers: "He should and will fit in the Bengals system nicely."
Who Dey Revolution jests.
Bengals Stripes says "Can’t hate this pick."
Mocking the Draft says, "They need more d-line help, but the bottom line is they also need LBers who can tackle (and not get arrested)." Nice. Totally unrelated, Keith Kenton plead not guilty last week.

Scouts, Inc. gives the following analysis of Rivers.

Strengths: Possesses outstanding size; is well built for his taller frame. Also has long arms (33), huge hands (11) and a strong upper body (24 reps). Not an elite athlete, but he does have good speed and athleticism for his size. Makes up for what he lack in terms of elite athleticism with great recognition skills. He is smart, tough and instinctive. Shows very good awareness. Rarely takes false steps. Is a striker as a tackler. Will make some big hits due to his short area explosiveness. Uses hands well to keep off of blocks. He refuses to stay blocked. Takes excellent angles in pursuit. Displays good range in zone coverage. Also is an underrated pass rusher. Has developed a better array of pass rush moves, hugs the rail as he turns the corner as an outside rusher and displays surprising closing burst to the QB. Knows how to jar the ball loose and generates more than his share of forced fumbles. Plays with a very good motor and will wear blockers down. Never gives up on a play and will show tremendous effort when pursuing from the backside. He's always flying around the field. Leads by example.

Weaknesses: Plays too high at times and loses his power when he does. Does a great job of sifting through traffic but needs to learn to anchor better when he's forced to take on blocks in the phone booth. Shows a bit of stiffness in his hips. Will struggle to keep with elite pass-catching RB's in the NFL on double moves and when forced to turn and run. Not an established play maker in coverage. Good range in coverage but lacks ideal ball skills. Durability is a minor concern.

Overall: Rivers appeared in 37 games in his first three seasons at USC (2004-'06), recording 162 tackles (13.5 for losses), 5.5 sacks and two interceptions. As a senior in 2007, he played 12 games (11 starts) at weak-side linebacker, turning in 78 tackles (five for losses), three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble and four pass breakups. He missed a game (Arizona State) in 2007 after spraining his left ankle, which had required arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs earlier in the spring. He also missed two games in 2005 and was limited in others because of a hamstring strain. Rivers possesses very good but not exceptional overall physical tools. His outstanding combination of instincts, work ethic and experience is what separates him from other linebackers with similar skill sets. While he is the top rated linebacker on our 2008 board, Rivers is a notch below elite talents such as A.J. Hawk (Packers) and Patrick Willis (49ers) from recent NFL drafts. Some teams could consider him at inside linebacker but Rivers seems best suited to play the WILL in a 4-3 scheme. He should be selected in the middle portion of the first round.

This page will continuously be updated with Rivers analysis.

Poll

Are you happy with the Bengals selecting Keith Rivers?

Yes

81 votes

No

14 votes

95 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Blah

Nothing against Rivers, but I am pretty uninspired. This is the result of Ellis being taken by the Saints and the front office refusing to think outside the box. i wonder if we could have traded down, addressed our need at WR in the end of first/early second round, and gotten more picks to try and get more talent on defense. Rivers is NOT a difference maker – and with our pathetic middle D-line, will be forced to fend off blockers all day. If this is Odell insurance, I think we could have gotten that in the later rounds. I am sure Rivers will be an effective pro, but c’mon, this is a let down.

"Ryan, Things in here don't react too well to bullets." - Marko Ramius

by TarZander on Apr 26, 2008 4:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I disagree...

respectfully, of course. I think its a good pick, and as shown by our Monday Night game, we can never have enough linebackers. We shouldn’t have to move a safety up to linebacker b/c we don’t have enough bodies.

I really like this pick. MUCH better than picking up a RB.

rsiii26

by rsiii26 on Apr 26, 2008 4:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I do like Rivers, what’s not to like, you know? But, it’s a little bit like Christmas when you really craved that BB gun but settled for the GI Joe with the Kung Fu grip. I admit, my heart fell a bit when Berman announced that NE had traded #7 and it wasn’t to us. I don’t know, maybe it’s the most practical, economical move we could have made. It just doesn’t have that sparkle to it. Hell with it. Welcome to a great athlete with outstanding character.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 26, 2008 4:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE: Ellis

When Ellis was taken, I did slump in my chair. But from my impression with “experts”, it would appear that there are some DTs in the second round that might be pretty good. Admittedly, I’m not sure if they’d be any better than Peko.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

True...

But the key with any pick is “value.” Was Rivers really worth a top ten pick? I would argue no. I think he’ll be a good player – maybe he’ll be a great player and prove me wrong – but it just seems that we could have done more from this spot. Our hand was forced by the Saints trading up to get Ellis. I think we could have traded down and ultimately turned this into a WR and a LB. Oh well, what’s done is done.

But, I also concur that this is MUCH better than picking a RB.

"Ryan, Things in here don't react too well to bullets." - Marko Ramius

by TarZander on Apr 26, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE:

The Bengals clearly sat on the pick while the Ravens and Saints were negotiating. That was made known well before the Saints and Ravens actually made the trade. Who knows if they tried to intervene. But my guess is, not much.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uninspired - probably

I agree with Tar that this pick is somewhat uninspiring (I think this category should be added to your poll). However, I don’t know about trading down. Why do we need more than 10 picks? That’s 20% of the team. Unless it was just to trade for more day 1 picks, I don’t think trading down is the answer. As for trading up for Ellis, I would have been cool with that.

However, I hope he does well. We have the POTENTIAL to have 3 really good LBs playing on the field for the next several years. Of course if they don’t all start asking for a trade too.

by DUVols on Apr 26, 2008 4:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Second Round

Alright fellas, I’m not even going to try to figure whom the Bengals will draft in the second round. But with LB locked up, the Bengals (in my opinion) are still in desperate need with DT and WR though RB and S are clearly positions they’re looking at.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 4:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

GO WR

Can’t let Palmer’s gun go to waste! DT and RB or S in the 3d will be ok. Who knows, maybe everyone comes back healthy at RB and we don’t need one so bad afterall (wishful thinking I know).

by DUVols on Apr 26, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Plus, we have two picks in the third.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE: RB

The coaches are very happy with Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry’s rehab. Think that both RBs are looking pretty good. We can assume that Irons will be out early, if not IR’ed after the six-week PUP stint. That leaves Watson and Dorsey to round up the four RBs. Now you can add the variables for each player.

So yea. With RB, it’s a either a hope and prayer that the guys on roster come up big and make a splash. Or a somewhat stable certainty that the team drafts a RB that would be effective. Then again, there’s never that certainty (Irons, pre-season, 2007).

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Overall

I do like the Rivers pick.

Not for any play-maker ability, but I do think it helps re-seal our linebacker corp with a stable foundation again. We still really don’t have that guy since Odell’s rookie season.

Brooks is hardly on the field—either through disappointing the coaches (2006) or injury (2007). Who knows how Odell Thurman will play after a two-year layoff. Signing Dhani Jones this offseason was a reaction because our depth was fragile at best. Jeanty is best summarized as “solid”, Henderson simply can’t get on the field and the rest are guys that you can sign in any off-season to help ST and depth.

I agree with most of you that he’s not play-maker guy that will instantly wreck havoc. I’m talking long-term stability which is something this team definitely needs at linebacker.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

#21 Skins

Redskins pick is up. Watcha guys think????

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by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Skins trade to Falcons, who pick Sam Baker- who’s father is the commissioner of the Arena Football League(Maybe Chad’s new home). Okay, let’s shoot for both the Cowboys’ first rounders for Chad!

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 26, 2008 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bugger

I kinda got my hopes up when a trade was announced. Man. :)

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, at #22

The Cowboys went RB. Still trade the #28 for Chad? Again. If…. there…. is….. a ….. trade…..

The Cowboys #28 pick would end the NFC East teams interested in Prima Donna. Oil Slick is sad.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Quotes

Added Rivers’ quote on his blog about becoming a Bengal and Jeff FitzGerald’s quote.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cowboys take Felix Jones at 22. Is 28 and their next year’s first- given how good they are and will be- enough for Chad. Okay, anything’s enough for me but for a tightwad like Mike?

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 26, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE:

Who knows? I really believe that Chad has to give back a lot of his guaranteed money already paid out for Mikey to think of a trade. In the end, either player or owner, it’s always about money.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Second Round

There’s still no WR taken off the board.

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by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mendenhall

Let’s hope Mendenhall is a bust. I’m sick and tired of the Steelers having good running backs!

"Ryan, Things in here don't react too well to bullets." - Marko Ramius

by TarZander on Apr 26, 2008 5:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

RE:

Chris Johnson is still on the board. Listed as the best available RB by Scouts, Inc.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just heard someone...

In Cincinnati sobbing loudly.

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by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry about the jinx.

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Center: Pollak

With five offensive tackles gone, and the best guard gone, should the Bengals look at a potential third-round center?

Blogger at CincyJungle.com

by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Second round: DT?

Kentwan Balmer, Marcus Harrison, Trevor Laws and Pat Sims are available. And since I picked Rivers in the SB Nation Mock Draft, I’ll bet the team goes Sims and you all will look on me with incredible wisdom. :-D

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by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2008 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Chris Johnson, we barely knew ye

Officially in mourning, here. Sims is most likely to be available but Balmer would be my preference. I also thinkmaybe Iowa State’s Ahtyba Rubin might be a steal at NT later- or even Victor Filipe from Eastern Washington either in 7 or as a free agent.

by IgnatiusJReilly on Apr 26, 2008 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs