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2017 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Chargers 7-round mock

By Parker Hurley

Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Youngstown defensive end Derek Rivers speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derek Rivers

EDGE, Youngstown State

Rivers may fall due to the unknown of playing at Youngstown State. He was under-recruited, and while he shined as a freshman, he trusted his coaching and refused to transfer. Of course, that coaching at Youngstown State is Jim Tressel and Bo Pelini. Rivers checks a lot of boxes and If he is available at in the fourth round the Chargers should be running to the podium to select him.

Rivers can get after the passer from the edge. He put up 14 sacks at Youngstown State last season and helped lead his team a National Championship appearance. The level of competition knock is fair, but Rivers went to the combine and tested just as impressively as any of the players there.

The Chargers gave Melvin Ingram a franchise tag, but that does not mean that a long-term deal is coming. Jeremiah Attaochu has yet to prove himself, and while Joey Bosa will play on the edge a lot in the Chargers new defense, they could use a rotation pass rusher and the possibility of a player who can step in for Ingram in 2018. Rivers is a great fit and may be a beneficiary of having an early fourth round pick.

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