May 15, 2008 Rookie Keith Rivers could start at weak-side linebacker this season, according to the Dayton Daily News, who are already projecting him for the job.
May 5, 2008 First-round draft pick Keith Rivers, a linebacker from Southern Cal, worked on the weak-side position - which he played in college - and impressed coaches with his fluid play and work ethic during the Cincinnati Bengals three-day (five practice) rookie minicamp this past weekend, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Coaches were impressed, too, with Rivers' natural leadership and ability to call his position players together. "He showed things that are innate," Lewis said. "Every time he was not in a meeting, he was upstairs watching tape on his own. He already gets it."
May 2, 2008 The Cincinnati Bengals are likely to give first-round pick Keith Rivers looks at both weak-side and middle linebacker, according to Pro Football Weekly. Rivers high skill level, strong character and advanced football intelligence have the Bengals thinking big things; the hope is that Rivers learning curve is accelerated because of these factors.
April 26, 2008 The Cincinnati Bengals selected USC linebacker Keith Rivers with the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
April 3, 2008 Keith Rivers quickly made sure the USC Pro Day was every bit the athletic spectacle scouts expected, according to FOX Sports. Rivers kicked off the morning wowing scouts with a 42-inch vertical jump a full 8 inches better than any outside linebacker recorded at the combine in February and a 10' 7" broad jump that also topped any other linebacker tested in Indianapolis. Rivers' efforts weren't limited to leaping, as he also impressed scouts with a 4.51 in the 40-yard dash. Rivers, who didn't work out at the combine due to an ankle injury, is viewed by many as the top linebacker of the 2008 class, and could make an impact in his rookie season, if he is drafted into the right situation.
