By Eric Sion

On April 12, the New York Giants officially acquired linebacker Keith Rivers from the Cincinnati Bengals. The Giants traded a fifth-round draft pick, which is a small price to pay for the former ninth-overall pick from the 2008 NFL draft.

Although he's been limited by injuries throughout his first four seasons, Rivers has a lot of potential that has yet to be realized. He was very highly regarded coming out of the University of Southern California, which is why he was drafted so high in the 2008 draft.

Rivers was the victim of a broken jaw in the middle of his rookie season. He was then bothered by calf and foot injuries the next two seasons before missing the whole 2011 season because of wrist surgery.

Through 35 career games, Rivers has registered 186 total tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. He is a fast linebacker who runs well, can blitz and can drop into coverage. Giants fans shouldn't be shocked if Rivers ends up resembling former Giant linebacker, Antonio Pierce. The two are built similarly and have a related skill set.

In terms of how this move could affect the Giants' plans for the 2012 draft, it probably means they won't use their first round pick on a linebacker. The Giants now look more likely to take a tight end, running back or offensive lineman with their 32nd overall selection.

The acquisition of Rivers is a good one for the Giants, especially considering they were in need of a linebacker and didn't have to pay a lot to get a good one. Now the Giants can only hope that Rivers can stay healthy and play up to his potential.