Stephen Rivers evaluation

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Just as it was with his brother, if you can get past the unorthodox methods, there is a lot to like about Stephen Rivers as an overall player and competitor. He has tremendous measurables in terms of height and a lanky late-bloomers frame that has a ton of room to add much needed strength and bulk. He possesses a tight, 3/4 delivery that is very compact-- part passer and part pusher. He is a gangly athlete that has yet to grow into his body so there is a lot of upside with him in the same way we feel Tyler Bray was from the 2010 class. He's an above average athlete, but generally is a drop-back passer that needs to be protected and on time to truly be at his best. Has the arm to make all the necessary throws both downfield and outside the numbers when his feet are set and he's balanced. Shows a loose arm the ability to change ball speeds. Considering his size and lankiness most kids can't get rid of the ball as quickly as he can. Flashes good touch on the deep ball. Throws effectively to either side, with good zip on short and intermediate passes, when on the move. Can be very accurate when his feet are under him. Shows the RPMs to fit the ball into tight spots underneath. While it is not always pretty, Rivers is very heady and productive. He finds ways to move the chains by land or air and will deceptively keep plays alive while keeping his eyes downfield to find an available target. He at times is a victim of poor protection that does not allow for him to get set, work through progressions and get into rhythm. As a result, he will make some plays on the run that will impress-- especially when moving to his right. As tall as he is, his delivery point and low elbow negate his height to some degree, but this is not overly concerning. The end result is generally productive and you begin to appreciate Rivers' methods due to the quality resulting from them. He is a late-bloomer with a high ceiling for development.

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