Chandler Rivers

NFL Draft Profile: Chandler Rivers

Position: Cornerback | School: Duke | Class: Senior

Height: 5'10" | Weight: 185 lbs | Archetype: Slot

College Career Summary

Chandler Rivers leaves Duke as one of the most decorated and consistent defensive backs in program history. A three-star track standout from Texas, Rivers transitioned into a Day 1 contributor for the Blue Devils, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022. He became a national name in 2023 after being named the Birmingham Bowl MVP, and followed that with a First-Team All-ACC junior campaign in 2024.

Rivers is defined by his elite processing and "scrappy" playstyle. Over 39 career games (32 starts), he logged over 2,500 snaps, proving to be a durable ironman for the Duke defense. In 2025, he opted to return for his senior year to lead the secondary under new head coach Manny Diaz. He finished his final season with 59 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and a forced fumble, solidifying his reputation as a "plus" run defender despite his smaller frame. His career totals of 164 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and 5 interceptions reflect a player who is always around the ball.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 45 (13 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 223 (59 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 16.0 (3.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 1.5

• Interceptions: 5 (2 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 29 (8 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 3 (1 in 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Elon	2 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	B+	Set the edge early; 1.5 TFLs showed high motor.
vs. Illinois	2 Tkl, 2 PD	B+	Technically sound; 2 breakups in critical moments.
@ Tulane	6 Tkl	B	High volume of tackles; reliable open-field stopper.
vs. NC State	7 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Stamina. Played nearly every snap; physical on the perimeter.
@ Syracuse	3 Tkl, 1 PD	B	Solid in off-man; wiped out the slot fade.
@ Cal	2 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Star Impact. Game-sealing INT in a tight road win.
vs. Georgia Tech	7 Tkl, 2 PD	A-	Play Recognition. Elite at sniffing out tunnel screens.
@ Clemson	5 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Mental Toughness. Faced elite speed and held firm.
@ UConn	5 Tkl	C+	Worst Game. Caught out of position on a late chunk play.
vs. Virginia (L)	2 Tkl, 1 INT	B+	Baited the QB for a pick; lone bright spot in a loss.
@ UNC	6 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A-	Competitor. Rivalry game standout; heavy run support.
vs. Wake Forest	4 Tkl, 1 FF	B+	Team Player. Forced a fumble that led to a Duke TD.
vs. Virginia (W)	8 Tkl	A-	Leadership. Captained the D to an OT revenge win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Processing & IQ: Rivers is a "film junkie." He often starts his break before the receiver even makes his cut, allowing him to overcome height disadvantages.

• Slot Prowess: While he played boundary at Duke, his feet and lateral Agility make him an ideal NFL Nickel. He handles twitchy receivers with ease.

• Physicality vs. Run: He tackles like a linebacker. Despite weighing 185 lbs, he embraces contact and is elite at shedding blocks to stop outside zones.

• Reliability: He is "medically clean" with zero major injuries over four high-volume years.

Weaknesses

• Size/Length Thresholds: Measuring 5'10" with average arm length, he will be "boxed out" by 6'3" NFL receivers on jump balls.

• Top-End Speed: He has good speed (approx. 4.48s), but lacks the "elite" 4.3 recovery gear to bail him out if he misses a press jam.

• Press Limitation: He doesn't have the mass to effectively disrupt large receivers at the line; he is much better in "off-man" or "catch-man" techniques.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Nickel/Slot Corner for a team that runs high-frequency Zone or Off-Man (e.g., Packers, Vikings, or Dolphins).

NFL Comparison: Mike Hilton (Bengals)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 14/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 88/100

Chandler Rivers is the "technician" of the 2026 class. He won't wow you with a 40-inch vertical or a 6'2" frame, but he simply does not get beat often. His Leadership and Mental Toughness are blue-chip traits, and his transition to the slot in the NFL should be seamless. While he lacks the "shutdown boundary" upside that earns a 1st-round pick, he is a "Day 1 Starter" in the Nickel—a position that now plays 70% of NFL snaps. He is a safe, high-floor pick who will play 10 years in the league.

Draft Projection: 3rd Round