On Wednesday, receiver Dax Milne became the first player Dan Quinn released who had been drafted by Ron Rivera.
Milne was actually the last player Rivera drafted in the 2021 class in the 7th round, No. 258 overall.
All eight of the 2020 Rivera draft class have already departed. Chase Young was traded to the 49ers last year. Antonio Gibson, Saahdiq Charles, Khaleke Hudson, Kam Curl, and James Smith-Williams were all allowed to look elsewhere for employment in the off-=season. Antonio Gandy-Golden played a grand total of ten NFL games, and Keith Ismael lasted two seasons in Washington.
Without question, the best player drafted by Rivera was guard Sam Cosmi. Others still around from that 2021 draft class are LB/DE Jamin Davis, CB Benjamin St-Juste, WR Dyami Brown, TE John Bates and S Darrick Forrest. Davis and Brown have largely been disappointments. Davis is being given some reps at defensive end by Quinn. If he does not shine in preseason, it’s very conceivable the 2021 first-round choice will not make the 53-man roster.
Of the 2022 Rivera draft class, only WR Jahan Dotson and RB Brian Robinson are guaranteed for the active roster. Sam Howell was traded, and Phidarian Mathis simply hasn’t been healthy enough to see the field. Percy Butler, Cole Turner, Chris Paul and Christian Holmes all need to prove themselves in preseason.
Finally, Rivera’s 2023 class only exhibited two players to produce last season (S Quan Martin and RB Chris Rodriguez). Both played hard and well on special teams and when given the opportunity at their respective positions. Braeden Daniels looked like he was drafted entirely too early to play tackle last preseason. He has been taking some work at guard, and it may already be his last chance. C/G Ricky Stromberg was injured in 2023, while Andre Jones and KJ Henry watched Adam Peters sign multiple defensive ends.
This leaves the 2023 first-round selection, CB Emmanuel Forbes. Rivera raved about Forbes on draft day, even before selecting him. Forbes struggled horribly and says he has gained over 15 pounds in preparation for 2024.
How many former Rivera draft picks will make the Quinn 53-man roster?