Jalen Rivers is a 6'5½", 319-pound offensive lineman from Jacksonville, Florida, who played for the University of Miami Hurricanes. A fifth-year redshirt junior, Rivers showcased versatility and leadership throughout his collegiate career. In 2024, he started eight games at left tackle, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. Despite missing five games due to injury, Rivers contributed to Miami's offensive line, which was recognized on the Joe Moore Award Honor Roll for midseason excellence. His performance was instrumental in the Hurricanes' offense, which ranked first nationally in both points per game (43.9) and yards per game (537.2).
Following the 2025 NFL Draft, Rivers was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round (153rd overall). Scouts have praised his physical attributes, including his hulking frame and play strength, which allow him to effectively stonewall bull rushes and create vertical push in the run game. His ability to process complex defensive fronts and maintain a stout anchor in pass protection adds to his appeal. While there are areas for improvement, such as athleticism and hand placement, Rivers' versatility and mauler mentality make him a promising prospect for the Bengals' offensive line depth.
