Former NFL OT names Miami's most underrated 2025 Draft prospect
Former NFL lineman Blake Brockermeyer included Miami offensive tackle Jalen Rivers in his column for CBS Sports "Georgia's Dominic Lovett, Alabama's Germie Bernard among underrated NFL Draft prospects on top 25 teams."
In his four seasons with Miami, Rivers has played 32 games and made 23 starts. Rivers was named 2023 Second-Team All-ACC. Rivers was ranked as the 128th prospect, 12th OT, and 20th player in Florida in the 2020 247 Sports Composite Rankings when he entered Miami from Orange Park, Oak Leaf.
Before moving to left tackle in 2023, Rivers played in 12 games with 10 starts at left guard in 2021 and 2022. Rivers suffered a season ending injury after three games in 2021 and was limited to nine games in 2022.
Rivers received the 11th highest grade on Miami from Pro Football Focus at 73.5 in 2023, per David Lake of Inside the U. Per Lake, Rivers tied guard Anez Cooper for the most snaps on Miami in 2023. Rivers received a 74.5 pass-blocking grade and a 68.9 run-blocking grade from PFF per Lake, allowing 14 pressures and two sacks.
Jalen Rivers #64 and Matthew McCoy #78 create a massive rushing lane on the left side of the line.
— Canes Insider🍊 (@canesinsider1) May 25, 2024
I’m excited to see what Damien Martinez, Mark Fletcher, and especially Chris Johnson do with opportunities like this. pic.twitter.com/bmr6FnQDjK
"Jalen Rivers, OT: Rivers is better suited as a guard but has the strength and power to be a solid tackle. A better run blocker than pass blocker, could be a nice sleeper if he can clean up some techniques this season."
- Blake Brockermeyer, CBS Sports
Rivers is beginning to receive national recognition. Athlon Sports named Miami running back Damien Martinez, wide receiver Xavier Restrepo and Rivers third-team preseason All-Americans earlier this week. Rivers will lead an experienced Miami offensive line with three returning starters.
Cooper and Rivers provide Miami with multi-year returning starters on the OL. Right tackle Francis Mauigoa is entering his second season as a starter. Expect Rivers to continue receiving preseason accolades throughout the summer. Rivers seems like a lock for 2024 preseason All-ACC.
Next. Miami plan is keeping Jalen Rivers at left tackle. Miami plan is keeping Jalen Rivers at left tackle. dark
With another strong season in 2024, Rivers has an opportunity to significantly improve his draft stock. Miami should be improved offensively in 2024. The improved offense should help Rivers grade out higher with Pro Football Focus by the end of the 2024 season.