What's Happening?
The Baltimore Ravens have picked Chandler Rivers in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the 162nd overall selection. Rivers, who played for Duke University, was a consistent starter from 2023 to 2025 and earned a spot on the All-ACC Second-Team
in his senior year. Known for his speed and agility, Rivers played primarily as an outside cornerback but also has experience in the nickel position. Despite his smaller stature, his quickness and ability to cover receivers make him a valuable addition to the Ravens' secondary.
Why It's Important?
Chandler Rivers' selection is crucial for the Ravens as they aim to enhance their defensive capabilities. His versatility in playing both outside and nickel corner positions provides the team with strategic flexibility. Rivers' speed and coverage skills are expected to complement the existing defensive lineup, potentially improving the Ravens' pass defense. This draft pick reflects the team's focus on strengthening their secondary to compete more effectively in the upcoming NFL season.
What's Next?
Rivers will enter the Ravens' training camp, where he will vie for playing time against seasoned players like Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie. His performance during training and preseason games will determine his role in the team's defensive strategy. The Ravens will assess his adaptability to their defensive schemes and his ability to handle NFL-level competition, which will influence his position and playing time in the regular season.
