Jalen Rivers has been regarded as one of the top tackles in the country for multiple years and is a consensus Top-100 prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, but what does the scouting report say?
Overview, Film Analysis, And Early 2025 Scouting Report Of Miami OL Jalen Rivers
Measurables:
- 6’5”
- 325 lbs
Player Background:
A four-star tackle recruit in the 2020 class, the Florida native chose the Hurricanes out of Oakleaf HS. Rivers saw some time in seven games during the 2020 season, starting none. In just 31 snaps, he put up a 62.9 PFF grade and struggled with pass blocking. He started the first three games of the following season but was plagued with a leg injury that prematurely ended his campaign.
Injuries limited his 2022 season to just nine games and seven starts, posting a 60.9 PFF grade in over 600 snaps. Rivers returned to become a major player on the Miami offensive line in 2023 as he started all 13 games. His PFF grade jumped to 74.1 in almost 900 total snaps and received his first All-ACC honors. Another injury took away a chunk of his final season with the Hurricanes, finishing with 583 snaps and a 70.3 PFF grade in eight 2024 games.
Accolades:
- Second Team All-ACC (2023)
- Honorable Mention All-ACC (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Rivers is built like an NFL tackle and he has all the strength to perform like one at the next level. He gets into his base quickly after the snap and uses his stocky frame and solid power to gain early leverage. He’s a smart blocker and manipulator on the outside. He uses the movement of edge defenders to set himself up accordingly and counter with precise moves. His hands are strong at the point of attack controlling defenders and not allowing them to move around him laterally.
When asked to do so, he’s a fantastic pulling tackle, making immediate contact and clearing out lanes at the second level. Rivers’ balance is impressive when his feet get choppy, transferring his weight smoothly and realigning his structure to sustain his blocks. He’s a patient tackle when forming the pocket, allowing himself to get fully set and calculating the pass rush before lashing out. His help blocking is effective, using his size to aid other blockers and punishing defenders through blocks.
Weaknesses/Cons:
Rivers’ issues begin with a subpar kickstep. He gets out of his stance more like a guard and does not drive to his outside spots. Because of this, he has to over-adjust early and tends to overset himself, with faster pass rushers taking advantage. His feet need to be anchored in the ground more when setting the edge as well. They get moved around too frequently, and he gets forced to attempt to maintain the upper hand frantically.
He stays high in his base throughout too many plays, getting beat by more flexible and/or more compact rushers who can work under him. Rivers’ range is limited when defenders attack his outside hip and can get offset when trying to adapt. He needs to drive within his legs more at the contact point to fully win blocks. He can often sustain blocks well but doesn’t fully overpower defenders as often as desired. His lengthy injury history will also need to be accounted for.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Rivers can compete with anyone and has the natural power and frame to be a starting-caliber tackle in the NFL. Early struggles will occur, as with most offensive linemen, but he has the tools to become a consistent and effective piece. Developing a kick-step and expanding his outside range is likely a deciding factor toward how quickly he develops and how high his ceiling will be. He should be an adequate option quickly and he could blossom into a massively valuable piece.
Prospect Grade:
- Late Second Round To Early 3rd Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Louisville
- 2024 vs. Florida
- 2024 vs. Wake Forest
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports
The post 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report: Jalen Rivers, Miami appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.