Eric Rivers

NFL Draft Profile: Eric Rivers

Position: Wide Receiver | School: Georgia Tech (via FIU/Memphis) | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 5'11" | Weight: 180 lbs | Archetype: Deep Threat / Route Runner

College Career Summary

Eric Rivers has one of the most resilient journeys in the 2026 draft class. Originally a defensive back at Memphis, Rivers transitioned to wide receiver after a redshirt season and a shoulder injury that cost him his entire 2022 campaign. Seeking a fresh start, he transferred to FIU, where he exploded in 2024 as one of the most productive receivers in the country, hauling in 62 catches for 1,162 yards and 12 touchdowns (ranking 5th nationally in yards per game).

He transferred to Georgia Tech for his final season in 2025 to prove his production wasn't just "Group of 5 noise." At Tech, he seamlessly stepped into the WR1 role, helping lead the Yellow Jackets to a top-20 ranking and becoming a Biletnikoff Award watch list member. His 2025 tape is highlighted by his elite ability to track the deep ball and his improved physical play against ACC press coverage.

Career Stats Highlights

• Total Receptions: 136 | Total Receiving Yards: 2,088 | TDs: 15

• 2025 Regular Season Stats: 42 Rec, 556 Yds, 1 TD (plus 49 rush yards)

• Drops: Historically low; plucks the ball with advanced technique and concentration.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	@ Colorado	6 / 64 / 0	B+	Immediate impact; beat elite CBs for two key third-down conversions.
2	vs Gardner-Webb	5 / 53 / 0	B	Steady volume; showed vision on a 19-yard punt return.
3	vs Clemson	4 / 72 / 0	A-	Big Play Game. 40-yard catch set up the game-winning FG.
4	vs Temple	3 / 14 / 0	C	Worst Game. Limited targets in a heavy run-script blowout.
5	@ Wake Forest	8 / 77 / 0	A	High-volume chain mover; reliable safety valve for Haynes King.
7	vs Virginia Tech	5 / 29 / 0	B-	Smothered by safety help; used primarily as a clear-out decoy.
8	@ Duke	4 / 21 / 0	C+	Short-area usage; fought through heavy physical contact.
9	vs Syracuse	5 / 43 / 0	B	Clinical route running; found the soft spots in zone all day.
10	@ NC State	3 / 97 / 0	A-	60-yard reception showcase; elite deep-tracking ability.
12	@ Boston Coll	8 / 119 / 0	A+	The Apex. Season-high yards; total dominance on vertical stems.
13	vs Pittsburgh	4 / 20 / 0	B-	Heavy wind limited deep shots; focused on bubble screens.
14	vs Georgia	2 / 20 / 0	B	Solid in his final "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" rivalry matchup.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 95/100

• Leadership: Elite. Graduate transfer who immediately became the "example" for younger WRs.

• Mental Toughness: Recovered from a torn labrum and switched positions (DB to WR).

• Competitor: Plays with a "track star" speed but a "safety" mentality; doesn't fear the middle.

• Team Player: Praised by Brent Key for his unselfishness in a run-heavy ACC scheme.

• Star Power: High. His Presence requires a high-safety cap, opening the middle for others.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 82/100

• Height/Weight: 5'11", 180 lbs. (Under 6'0"/200lb targets; lean, aerodynamic frame).

• Stamina: High; maintains top-end sprint speed deep into the fourth quarter.

• Durability: Played 12+ games in 2024 and 2025; past shoulder injury appears fully healed.

• Injury History: Torn labrum (2022); no recurring issues since.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 93/100

• Catching: Elite. High-level "late hands" that prevent DBs from timing the break-up.

• Route Running: Advanced. Deep vertical stems are his specialty; masters the "double move."

• Body Control: Excellent; elite ability to twist and adjust to underthrown deep balls.

• Separation: Creates space via pure "vertical push" and suddenness at the break.

• Release: Efficient; uses his DB background to anticipate and defeat hand-jams.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 94/100

• Speed: Elite. Verified 4.4 range; play-speed is arguably faster when tracking the ball.

• Agility: High; fluid hips and quick feet make him a weapon on punt returns.

• Jumping: Solid; uses timing to "climb the ladder" despite his sub-6' frame.

• Acceleration: Reaches top gear within 5 yards; elite "second gear" on deep shots.

• Break Tackle: Uses elusiveness rather than power; elite contact balance.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 96/100

• Awareness: Exceptional; former DB background helps him read secondaries and exploit blind spots.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: World-class deep tracking; elite vertical separation; high-IQ understanding of coverage leverages; versatile return-specialist ability; high-character veteran leader.

• Weaknesses: Lacks prototypical "X" receiver size; lean frame can be rerouted by elite physical press; limited catch radius for jump-ball situations.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal Z-Receiver or Deep Slot in a Vertical-based or RPO offense (e.g., Dolphins, Texans, Ravens).

• NFL Comparison: T.Y. Hilton / Rashid Shaheed.

Scout's Final Word

"Eric Rivers is a 'vertical weapon' that every offensive coordinator covets. He’s more than just a track star; he is a refined route runner with the ball skills of a much larger receiver. His transition from DB to record-setting WR at FIU, and then into a primary weapon in the ACC, shows a player with a massive ceiling. He will walk into an NFL locker room as an immediate deep-threat and special teams asset. Projected: Late Round 4/ Early Round 5."