Patriots Sign Third-Round Pick Derek Rivers

Erol Onel
Erol Onel
Jul 22, 2017 · 1 min read

An experienced physician and pharmaceutical researcher, Erol Onel, MD, serves as a vice president at Heron Therapeutics, Inc., a La Jolla, California-based biotech firm. Outside of his work, Dr. Erol Onel enjoys watching NFL football and cheering for his favorite team, the New England Patriots.

Coming off yet another Super Bowl championship, the New England Patriots had an interesting 2017 draft, with many of its early-round picks traded away for players such as Brandin Cooks and Kony Ealy. The team did not make its first pick until the third round, selecting defensive end Derek Rivers out of Youngstown State.

In June, the Patriots finally inked Rivers to a contract, though the terms were not disclosed at the time of signing. The 22-year-old recorded 173 tackles and 41 sacks (a Youngstown State record) over his collegiate career. He was also named an All-American twice and selected to the All-Missouri Valley Conference team three times.

Erol Onel
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