Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Duke CB Chandler Rivers

TL;DR

Chandler Rivers, a cornerback from Duke, is projected to be selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. The Detroit Lions may prioritize a cornerback due to a higher-than-expected need at the position.

Key points

Chandler Rivers is a cornerback from Duke.
He is projected to be drafted in the second round.
The Detroit Lions have a higher-than-expected need for a cornerback.

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Chandler RiversDetroit Lions

The Lions' CB position might have a higher draft need than expected, as it scored a 6/10 need in my Lions Draft Cornerback Report. Thus, an early round selection on a CB should not be a surprise. Chandler Rivers is a prospect slated to go around the 2nd round who is medically clean.

Here is the excerpt from my medical report on Chandler Rivers:

(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)

Chandler Rivers, CB (22) - Duke

Projected round 2-3. #52 on Jeff Risdon board Feb 19.

Concern level 0/10

2025: 13/14 games. Opted out of bowl.
2024: 13/13 games
2023: 13/13 games
2022: 13/13 games

Number 13 is lucky for Rivers as that’s the number of games he’s played in each of his four years of college. His 100% availability record is impressive. The lack of any reported injuries plus his young age add up to a very clean prospect.

He finished with 7 INT and 29 PBU.

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Q&A

What is Chandler Rivers' draft projection for the NFL Draft?

Chandler Rivers is projected to be selected in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Why do the Detroit Lions need a cornerback in the draft?

The Lions have assessed their cornerback position as having a higher draft need than expected, scoring a 6/10 in need.

Is Chandler Rivers medically cleared for the NFL Draft?

Yes, Chandler Rivers is reported to be medically clean ahead of the NFL Draft.