FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Rivers.
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2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Eric Rivers
Eric Rivers (WR – Georgia Tech)
5-foot-11 | 180 Pounds
Background
Eric Rivers originally attended the University of Memphis, where he spent two seasons (zero catches) before transferring to Florida International. With the Panthers, caught 32-370-2 (11.6) in 2023 before stepping into a starting role and enjoying a breakout season of 62-1,172-12 (18.9) in 2024. Transferred to Georgia Tech this past year, ending up with 46-658-2 (14.3).
Positives
Rivers showed he could successfully leap up in level of competition this past year, moving back and forth between flanker and the slot. An impressive athlete who’s light on his feet, with very good quickness and burst. Uses that suddenness (and some tempo changes) to get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage, and to freeze defenders at the stem against off-coverage. Has a naturally low center of gravity and sinks his hips well into the top of his routes, with nice footwork.
Eats up cushions quickly. While his usage downfield was reined in a bit with the Yellow Jackets, Rivers was fast enough to function as an effective deep threat, creating opportunities for him to work underneath on routes like curls/comebacks and out routes. Able to run away from corners on crossers.
Perhaps not the most dynamic receiver after the catch, but he has plenty of speed and some shake to his game. Georgia Tech did scheme him some looks from motion and screens — sometimes on manufactured touches and sometimes as part of package plays. Took his responsibilities as a blocker seriously, with good competitiveness and physicality through the whistle.
Negatives
Rivers has been primarily an outside receiver throughout his career, but a lack of ideal size could force him into the slot at the next level. Wasn’t the most consistent producer this past year; had some big games and a lot of quieter ones. Feisty, but could struggle to release against bigger opponents at the line of scrimmage. Looks like a good leaper, but doesn’t present the biggest catch radius.
Focus drops have been an issue, with 12 total drops against 138 career catches. Struggles to shield defenders from the ball and come down with contested catches. Doesn’t survive much contact as a runner. More competitive than powerful as a blocker, and can struggle to sustain against bigger opponents. Sustained a shoulder injury which caused him to miss the 2022 season.
Summary
May not be one of the biggest or strongest receivers in the class, but Rivers offers an impressive combination of burst, suddenness, footwork and competitiveness, using his speed to create breathing room for him to work underneath coverages.
Wasn’t the most consistent producer this past season, and has had some issues with focus drops in the past, but looks like he might be able to provide a spark at the next level, likely out of the slot. One of the receivers I’d imagine is currently in the mid-round mix.
Projection: Round 5
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