Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Jalen Rivers drafted by Bengals in fifth round
From the moment he stepped on campus, Jalen Rivers emerged as a top offensive lineman for the Miami Hurricanes and steadily improved over the course of his five seasons at UM.
Next up for Rivers: The NFL.
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Rivers with in the fifth round, No. 153 overall, on Saturday in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rivers was an anchor on the left side of Miami’s offensive line his entire career. All told, he played in 40 games with the Hurricanes and making 31 starts. He began his career at left guard before kicking out to left tackle for the back half of his Hurricanes tenure.
In 2024, Rivers started eight games at left tackle, missing five games due to an injury sustained in Miami’s season opener against the Florida Gators. When he returned, he split time between left tackle and left guard to allow Markel Bell, who replaced Rivers in the lineup when Rivers was injured, to continue to get playing time.
“Teams see me at everywhere on the line,” Rivers said.
NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein described Rivers as a “burly offensive lineman with natural anchor and above-average length” who is “best-suited for short spaces, where his athletic limitations can be mitigated.”
“He could get a shot at right tackle but slow feet will put him in harm’s way against NFL edge rushers,” Zierlein’s pre-draft scouting report continued. “He’s sturdy at the point against bull-rushers and space-eaters. He works with stiff hips and below-average base footwork, which often short-circuit attempts to leverage and clear the gaps. He’s a clunky mover who will be tied to scheme, but his mass and length increase his likelihood of finding starting reps on the interior, provided he can stay healthy.”
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