Commanders’ latest pro day meeting would help fill uncertain position on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft
The Commanders still have work to do at one critical position, and this NFL Draft prospect would certainly help.
The Washington Commanders made a lot of changes to their roster during free agency, but that was just phase one of an important offseason.
The roster is in a much better position after being active in free agency, but there are still several positions that need to be addressed. After missing on Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs, the Commanders turn their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft to add to the WR room while they wait on Brandon Aiyuk to be released as well.
They will be meeting draft prospects from now until April, and the latest prospect they met with would add speed to the offense.
Commanders met with WR Eric Rivers at his pro day
The Commanders aren’t just signing free agents; they’re also traveling the country to visit pro days at colleges to see NFL Draft prospects make one last impression before teams crack down on their big board. We’ve already heard about the Commanders meeting with WR Makai Lemon, and we can now add Eric Rivers to the list, according to Tony Pauline, who said they met with Rivers at his pro day.
Rivers is a 5-10, 176-pound WR who impressed at the NFL Scouting Combine with a 4.35 40-yard dash and a 37″ vertical jump. He was also productive in college with over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns over the last two seasons at Florida International and Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets didn’t have the best passing offense by any means, but Rivers still made the most of his opportunities.
Rivers does a great job of using his speed to get vertical, but also to create sudden movements to start and stop to create separation. He has a knack for being aware of the field, where he needs to go, and how to win in his routes with a pretty developed route tree in his arsenal. It also helps that he has great ball-tracking skills to bring in late and inaccurate passes.
How the Commanders could use Eric Rivers
Rivers is currently projected to go in the late-fifth or early-sixth round of the NFL Draft, and he’s a Day Three prospect worth investing in. He played the majority of his college career out wide despite his smaller size, but he still produced in the slot as well, with the majority of his slot snaps coming in 2025 at Georgia Tech.
His game would translate in the slot at the next level thanks to his spatial awareness, and he plays tough with excellent body control and contact balance. The Commanders still need a sure slot WR, and that could be his role.
Even if they draft Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson with the No. 7 overall pick for the outside, they could double down with Rivers at pick No. 187. They could also have Aiyuk be the WR2 next season and use the No. 7 overall pick elsewhere. David Blough needs a vertical threat and YAC slot WR in his offense, though, and Rivers could be an option.
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