Every year, Bob McGinn compiles quotes from anonymous scouts on the top prospects for golongtd.com. Below is the feedback for Jalen Rivers, his seventh-ranked IOL prospect:
7. JALEN RIVERS, Miami (6-5 ½, 319, 5.36, 3-4): Starting left guard when healthy for much of 2021-’22, starting left tackle when healthy in 2023-’24. “Great character, tons of versatility throughout his career,” one scout said. “He’s an athlete. He’s long. They moved him around so much so he still hasn’t reached his ceiling. More of an early-to-midday Day 3 pick. He’ll probably be a third or fourth tackle you cross-train at guard. He’s so smart and versatile. Still a little bit raw in a lot of his game.” Underwent knee surgery after three games of the ’21 season before going down again in late ’22. Missed five more games with another unspecified injury in ’24.
“Didn’t have the best week at the Senior Bowl,” said a second scout. “He got edged and overpowered a little bit. Nonetheless, he’s a mature guy and a multi-year starter. He’s most comfortable at left guard. He has shown he can play Power 5 football at tackle and do a good enough job. The Senior Bowl knocked him down a little bit. I see him more third or fourth round, maybe even fifth.” Arms were 34 7/8, the longest of the leading guards, and hands were 10.
“He was just OK at the combine and on tape,” a third scout said. “The value is he played both left tackle and left guard so he’s got some position flex.” Won a state championship in the shot put and played basketball as a prep in Jacksonville.
7. JALEN RIVERS, Miami (6-5 ½, 319, 5.36, 3-4): Starting left guard when healthy for much of 2021-’22, starting left tackle when healthy in 2023-’24. “Great character, tons of versatility throughout his career,” one scout said. “He’s an athlete. He’s long. They moved him around so much so he still hasn’t reached his ceiling. More of an early-to-midday Day 3 pick. He’ll probably be a third or fourth tackle you cross-train at guard. He’s so smart and versatile. Still a little bit raw in a lot of his game.” Underwent knee surgery after three games of the ’21 season before going down again in late ’22. Missed five more games with another unspecified injury in ’24.
“Didn’t have the best week at the Senior Bowl,” said a second scout. “He got edged and overpowered a little bit. Nonetheless, he’s a mature guy and a multi-year starter. He’s most comfortable at left guard. He has shown he can play Power 5 football at tackle and do a good enough job. The Senior Bowl knocked him down a little bit. I see him more third or fourth round, maybe even fifth.” Arms were 34 7/8, the longest of the leading guards, and hands were 10.
“He was just OK at the combine and on tape,” a third scout said. “The value is he played both left tackle and left guard so he’s got some position flex.” Won a state championship in the shot put and played basketball as a prep in Jacksonville.
