By John Sarianides

The Patriots selected defensive end Derek Rivers (3rd Round #83)  out of Youngstown State and offensive tackle Antonio Garcia (3rd Round #85) out of Troy. 

Here are my scouting reports on each player.

1. Derek Rivers, DE, 6-4 248, Youngstown State

Vs. Run: Rivers is a one gap penetrator who has long arms. Rivers can extend, stack and shed single blocks. Controls gaps with speed rather than power. 

Pass Rush: Rivers is an explosive rip and lean pass rusher who plays with a pad level and leverage. Uses his hands well and can get in and out moves. Rivers is a bit undersized so he needs to win his speed rush. Not a power to speed guy.

Pursuit: Rivers is a quick twitch athlete who can play along the line of scrimmage. Takes good angles and can finish plays from the back side.

Tackling: Rivers needs to drop his butt more when he tackles. He tackles high and ball carriers break too many of his tackles. Ankle tackles way too much. Needs to break down more.

Initial Quickness: Rivers has a quick first step and re-establishes the line of scrimmage with speed. Makes up for the fact that he has short arms by winning with first step quickness. 

Recognition: Rivers diagnoses blocks and attacks them off the snap. Squeezes down and colllisions trap blocks and kick out blocks. Rivers get washed easily on down blocks and double teams. He needs to get stronger so he can split double teams and anchor.

Final Report: Rivers is a tremendous value pick in the third round. He could have gone earlier but some physical and schematical limitations led to him falling. Rivers will be a good fit in the Patriots defense because he can play out of a two and three point stance and could step in and contribute as a situational passer as a rookie. 

Antonio Garcia, OT, 6-6 302, Troy

Initial Quickness: Garcia comes off the snap with good quickness. Gets inside hand position regularly in the run game and sets up quick in his pass set.

Run Blocker: Garcia gets good movement on single blocks and double teams. Fundamentally sound. Plays with good leverage and balance. Garcia is a natural bender in the run game.

Pass Blocker: Garcia sets quick and has smooth, quiet feet in his kick slide. He can cut the edge off against a speed rusher and can extend and anchor against a bull rusher. Garcia can mirror and punch with consistency. 

Pull & Trap: Garcia is athletic enough that he can pull on counter plays. Moves well laterally and can get up the hole, locate a defender and block him.

Hands: Garcia has quick hands. He routinely gets inside hand position. Garcia will struggle gaining control of bigger defensive ends that can extend and separate. Needs to be more consistent in terms of getting inside hand position in pass pro. 

Strength: Garcia plays with good strength at point of attack but he is by no means a mauler. Tends to get out of his stance high and doesn’t get into a power position as a run blocker.

Final Report: Garcia is versatile in that he can play left or right tackle. He could also kick inside and play guard as well. Garcia did not give up a sack this season. He played over 900 snaps. At 6-6 302, Garcia fits the mold in terms of what the Patriots look for in offensive lineman physically. Garcia will provide depth initially and could develop into a starter eventually in the next two years.