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Former Duke CB Chandler Rivers Gets Update on New Role With Ravens in NFL
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- Former Duke CB Chandler Rivers Gets Update on New Role With Ravens in NFL
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Baltimore Ravens ' secondary was not in good shape last year, and they needed not only to play better in 2026, but also to get some help.
While they didn't make any massive free-agent, trade, or draft-pick upgrades, the Ravens did select Chandler Rivers, the Duke alum, in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Rivers is going to make the Ravens' NFL roster, but what will his role be? According to ESPN's Jamison Hensley , Rivers is slated to be a backup nickel cornerback, but a major contributor on special teams.
"It looks like Rivers will be the backup slot cornerback and contribute heavily on special teams," Hensley writes.
The former Duke cornerback, coming into the NFL at 22 years old and 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, is going to be a factor for the Ravens' special teams right away.
But that's not nearly as exciting as his role on the Baltimore defense, with promising young defensive-minded head coach Jesse Minter leading the way.
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Rivers, unfortunately, will begin his NFL career as a backup slot cornerback. Kyle Hamilton is the current projected starter at slot cornerback.
While Rivers might not be getting into NFL action right away on defense, he's going to be a name to watch who could eventually find his way onto the field as part of Minter's defense.
Rivers, against the Minnesota Vikings in the second preseason game, recorded three total tackles with a 0.5 sack and one pass defensed. Against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first preseason game, he finished with just one tackle.
Back during his Duke days, Rivers was a very productive cornerback. He had at least 50 tackles in four straight seasons, reaching as high as 59 total tackles in 2025.
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Rivers also had eight passes defended in 2025 and 2024, along with seven in 2023 and six in 2022. He had 1.5 sacks during his collegiate career and three forced fumbles.
But the really exciting thing for the Ravens is that Rivers had seven interceptions in college, including five in the last two seasons. Rivers also had two pick-sixes during his Duke career.
While the former Duke Blue Devil cornerback isn't going to be a starter right away, there's a chance that Rivers makes a big special teams impact as he waits for a chance to get on the field.
