Rookie Jalen Rivers from Miami (FL) was selected in round five in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Bengals originally listed him as a tackle. Rivers has shown his strong hands, positional versatility, and great length throughout OTAs, training camp, and now in preseason games, and he seemingly supplanted Lucas Patrick at the right guard spot for the orange and black. It remains to be seen if the coaching staff trusts him to be the opening day starter to protect Joe Burrow against the Cleveland Browns on September 7th, but it’s trending that way.
Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Amarius Mims (71), guard Lucas Patrick (62), center Ted Karras (64), guard Dylan Fairchild (63) and offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (75) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Jalen Rivers Is Poised to Make a Difference for the Bengals
College Years
Rivers had a solid collegiate career and declared as a fifth-year redshirt junior. He was a crucial member of the Canes’ key offensive line that helped pave the way for the No. 1 offense in the nation in both points per game (43.9) and yards per game. (537.2). He also helped the offensive line a spot on the Joe Moore Award Honor Roll at midseason, honoring the nation’s top-performing unit. Started eight games at left tackle, earning All-ACC honorable mention recognition as one of the conference’s top linemen and only allowed 1 sack in 348 pass block snaps in 2024.
Roll the Tape
The tape is impressive for Rivers, as it’s evident that the Bengals’ coaching staff’s faith in him is rapidly rising. His frame is massive, he moves well laterally for a man his size at 6’5″ and 319 pounds, and plays with balance, which showcases his impressive footwork. Rivers also provides a strong anchor in the passing game and has proven to push well up the field in the rushing attack.
Jalen Rivers vs. Indianapolis Colts pic.twitter.com/UH193Q7jcX
— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) August 24, 2025
Head coach Zac Taylor has been very impressed with Rivers and recently stated, “I love his mindset. I love his attention to detail. He’s got all the traits and mindset that we’re looking for. I think that he’s getting more and more comfortable in that role as he’s played more guard for us.”
Tall Task
The task for Rivers would be massive if he were to start in Week 1. The Browns’ defensive line is the real deal, and Jim Schwartz won’t hesitate to move All-Pro Myles Garrett over the rookie to put his group in the best position to get to Burrow. Cleveland also boasts the ability to provide pressure up the middle with their first-round pick, DT Mason Graham. The Bengals have some important decisions to make before Cutdown Day on Tuesday at 4 pm. Depth at OL is a must in the NFL, and the final call on Rivers’ starting is equally paramount for the health of the QB1. If lightning strikes and Cincinnati finds a diamond in the rough, they may shine brightest on their way back to the postseason.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images