The Baltimore Ravens have had a strong 2026 NFL Draft. After four of their first five picks loaded up the offensive side of the football, the Ravens set their focus back on the defense. With their first of three fifth-round picks at No. 162 overall, they drafted Chandler Rivers, a mainstay at cornerback for Duke over the past four years.
Rivers is an absolute steal. He was ranked 86th overall on Arif Hasan’s consensus big board, which ranks prospects based on 134 draft analysts' rankings. Drafting him at No. 162? I’d say that’s pretty good.
Baltimore Ravens add classic Eric DeCosta late-round steal in Chandler Rivers selection
Rivers has some familiarity with Charm City. He played with Aeneas Peebles at Duke from 2022 to 2023 and was coached by new outside linebackers coach Harland Bower for all four years with the Blue Devils. It’s a good landing spot for the 22-year-old.
The Ravens needed a corner. Their top guys heading into 2026 are Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, and Marlon Humphrey. On paper, that seems like a talented group, and although Humphrey regressed in 2025, he could get back to form under new head coach and defensive mastermind Jesse Minter. Still, Humphrey and Awuzie are both old for cornerbacks. The team needed another young piece, and Rivers should be ready to contribute in year one.
Rivers is a productive slot corner. He brings quick feet to the table, matching releases effortlessly. He also pairs that with impressive physicality for his 5-foot-9, 185-pound frame. He’s fearless. He brought it in press coverage, and is willing to run support.  That aggressive mentality is something that Baltimore has prioritized with pretty much every single one of their selections thus far.
The issues with Rivers lie with his size; his arms are just 29 ⅜ inches long. That can be hidden a bit in the slot, but his frame is still very small. That aggressiveness he showcases on nearly every down can also be his downfall at times, biting on routes too early or even taking the bait with the eye candy in the backfield.
As a whole, Rivers has what the Ravens tend to look for. The technique can be cleaned up. What you can’t teach is his mentality and athleticism. He has plenty of that and then some.
If he impresses early, he could quickly jump into the fourth cornerback spot. And if he develops well, he could take over a starting spot as soon as 2027.
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