Bengals host pre-draft visit for high-upside offensive lineman whose final year in college was anything but normal
The Cincinnati Bengals are always thirsty for versatile offensive linemen. The more positions you can play, the more valuable you are in their eyes. Especially if you can play multiple positions in the same game. That's a unique descriptor that fits former Miami left tackle/guard Jalen Rivers.Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bengals are hosting Rivers […]
The Cincinnati Bengals are always thirsty for versatile offensive linemen. The more positions you can play, the more valuable you are in their eyes. Especially if you can play multiple positions in the same game.
That's a unique descriptor that fits former Miami left tackle/guard Jalen Rivers.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bengals are hosting Rivers for a pre-draft visit Monday.
Rivers was originally recruited to Miami to play tackle. He was one of the Hurricanes' top recruits in 2020, but he got his first start a year later at left guard and stayed there through the 2022 season while battling injuries. It wasn't until 2023 after he graduated that he moved back outside to left tackle and played his first full season.
The 2024 season was a different story entirely. Rivers began the season at left tackle and missed five games due to another injury. Once he returned, he would rotate between left tackle and left guard in each of Miami's seven games. He logged 295 snaps at left tackle and 215 at left guard.
Despite this unconventional role, Rivers was charged with just one sack, seven total pressures, and three penalties during this seven-game stretch.
“I give that credit to [Miami associate head coach and offensive line coach Alex] Mirabal. He always preaches, always says, ‘You’re not an offensive tackle, or center, or guard. You’re an offensive lineman,’” Rivers said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “So, I pride myself going through this process as an offensive lineman. I can go from left tackle to the right side to center even, if you put me in. I feel like it adds value, if anything.”
That stands out both on film and paper, and Cincinnati would surely want to know more about it in his meeting. Getting further clarity about his extensive injury history is also paramount. He went through a medical check at the combine where he measured in at 6-6 and 319 pounds with nearly 35" arms.
Rivers carries a Mid Day Three Grade according to A to Z Sports' Top 200 Big Board, and the third day of the draft is likely when Rivers will hear his name called. The Athletic's Dane Brugler has him graded as a fourth-round player who can develop into a starter with proper coaching at the next level.
Overall, Rivers is a large-bodied athlete with the long arms, play strength and functional movements to execute his blocking assignment. His overaggressive tendencies lead to balance issues, however, which must be addressed by pro coaching. He has NFL starting potential and fits best at guard. – The Athletic's Dane Brugler
Possessing tremendous size and the ability to play multiple spots has Rivers on the Bengals' radar. If they miss out on drafting a lineman in the first two rounds, he's a name they may call in the third or fourth round depending on how they feel about his medical report.
Bengals 2025 Pre-Draft Visits: Tracking all the players Cincinnati is meeting with with leading up to the NFL Draft
A complete list of players visiting Cincinnati leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
