A versatile offensive lineman begins his NFL journey
After a lag after Elijah Arroyo’s selection at 50th overall, the good news continued for the Miami Hurricanes in the 2025 NFL Draft when OL Jalen Rivers was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.
A 6’6” 320lb lineman, Rivers was a stalwart on Miami’s offensive line for several seasons. He played both Guard and Tackle for Miami on the left side of the line, and was an integral part of the Nation’s #1 offense in 2024.
Though Rivers has the height (6’6”) and length (34 7/8ths arm) to play tackle, his true value moving forward is his versatility. He is more likely to find a home at Guard at the NFL level, while being able to play Tackle in a pinch for a short amount of time (a couple games, maybe). Rivers reportedly worked out at Center at the Senior Bowl and NFL Draft Combine as well, so there is at least one team who has thought of playing him there.
A 4-star recruit from Orange Park (FL) Oakleaf, Rivers played in 38 games, starting 29, in his 5-year Miami career.
He has an opportunity to carve out a key role with Cincinnati who has run into issues with pass protection for star QB Joe Burrow.