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Wildcats Draft Profiles: Josh Rivas Looks Towards the NFL

By Jacob Milham

(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
(Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /
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MANHATTAN, KS – SEPTEMBER 18: Offensive lineman Josh Rivas #76 of the Kansas State Wildcats gets set on the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
MANHATTAN, KS – SEPTEMBER 18: Offensive lineman Josh Rivas #76 of the Kansas State Wildcats gets set on the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Manhattan, Kansas. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

Strengths

When you look for Josh Rivas highlights, the word “maul” is commonplace. That is a good way to describe his best moments at Kansas State.

Rivas would often decimate opponents at the second level, whether pulling or just moving up. in both high school and college, Rivas was a popular player to run behind. In 2021, the Wildcats tied for second in the Big 12 with 29 rushing touchdowns, while the Wildcats’ 4.83 yards per rush ranked sixth in school history. Rivas was a big part of both those stats.

If you need more proof of “maul”, see below.

Rivas is not just a big body but looks great on the move. He can pull very well, getting to his man with a purpose. While kick-out blocks are in the lineman arsenal, Rivas will often pull and then get his hips around quickly, all while maintaining his block.

Rivas just has that motor a lineman needs in the NFL. Every step and movement is with a purpose and that purpose is often fulfilled. He led all Big 12 guards in 2021 with an 83.6 grade, according to PFF.  The more you watch Rivas, the better he gets. As a guard that is.

Weaknesses

All that considered, what would hold Rivas back from being a legitimate prospect?

Due to his measurables, Rivas is being evaluated as a tackle by many draft analysts. However, Rivas has never taken a college snap at the position. Teams often like an element of versatility for offensive line depth, something that Rivas does not have right now.

Also, while Rivas moves well forward and pulling, Rivas does leave other movements to be desired. Specifically, his hands and feet become less active after initial contact. Both will be essential facing more athletic defenders in the NFL.

Rivas also displays a lack of next-level flexibility and bend, both before and after the block. Comparing him to his peers, such as Central Michigan’s Bernhard Raimann or Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum, starkly shows the difference.

While he still got the job done at Kansas State, those details matter to any team’s front office.

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