Chandler Rivers: Cowboys' Draft Steal?

0:00On April 17, Dallas Cowboys fans are buzzing about the upcoming draft, holding the 12th and 20th overall picks plus a third rounder from the 49ers trade. One name popping up as a potential steal is Chandler Rivers, a cornerback from Duke, who's projected to go late second, third or even fourth round. Rivers burst out as a junior in 2024, with 54 tackles, eight past deflections, a sack, two force fumbles, and three picks. He came back for a senior year in 2025, with high expectations as a top secondary player, but put up 59 tackles, eight deflections, one force to fumble, and two interceptions over 13 games. His stock dipped a bit after that season, yet at 5 feet 10 inches and 185 pounds, he's got the tools to be a game-changing. Nickel in the pros, analysts are pounding the table for him, if bigger names like D'Angelo Ponds slip away, especially since he's a Texas kid who could slot right into.

1:00Dallas's leaky secondary, the Cowboys can't afford projects, they need day one starters, and new defensive coordinator, Mike Parker has a track record of molding young defensive. Backspast, Rivers boasts an 8.80 relative athletic score, ranking high among corners historically, though he sometimes jumps routes too early. Leaving receivers open, like an old Trevon digs habit, that smart QBs exploit. If Dallas skips other corners early and grabs a linebacker or safety instead, snagging Rivers in the third could transform their defense overnight. Keep an eye on him this summer, a strong showing might push him up the board before the Cowboys even pick.