The Athletic’s Baumgardner labels RB Ronnie Rivers as Cardinals UDFA to watch for
May 6, 2022, 10:20 AM | Updated: 11:38 am
Ronnie Rivers #20 of the Fresno State Bulldogs leaps over Kenny Churchwell III #28 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Rose Bowl on September 18, 2021 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals came out of the 2022 NFL Draft with eight rookies joining the mix.
The additions didn’t stop there, however, as the team signed 12 undrafted rookies in the days following, one of which being Fresno State running back Ronnie Rivers.
A productive back in college, Nick Baumgardner of The Athletic thinks Rivers is the best fit for the Cardinals among their undrafted free agents.
The son of former Detroit Lions running back Ron Rivers, Ronnie Rivers is an undersized (5-foot-7) yet multifaceted back from Fresno State who made plays with his legs and hands in college. His agility and general speed (4.6-second 40-yard dash, 6.91-second three-cone) are noted.
Taking advantage of an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19, Rivers spent five seasons at Fresno State where he would leave as the program’s record holder in career touchdowns (52).
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His 40 career rushing touchdowns also lead Fresno States record books and his 3,417 rushing yards are third in program history.
Rivers also holds the program records for career receiving yards (1,417), receiving touchdowns (12) and receptions (150) by a running back. He accumulated 5,208 all-purpose yards in his collegiate career.
The Cardinals also added to the running back room during the draft, selecting USC running back Keaontay Ingram in the sixth round.
The rookies will join veterans James Conner, Eno Benjamin, Jonathan Ward and Jaylen Samuels in the position group.
