Anonymous NFL scouts on Jalen Rivers

[DMoney]

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...

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[Yasuke]

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.

Can't wait until what I see about Restrpro or George?

 

[The U is back to work]

If he can stay healthy there’s no reason he can’t have a long career. May be a journeyman moving around and around but I hope he gets picked up by a team that develops their OL like the Eagles, Ravens, Lions, Browns, Chiefs.

 

[gabednconfused]

Surprisingly more negative. On tape this year he was our second best lineman compared to Cici and I’d say it was actually close.

 

[Golsen82]

Surprisingly more negative. On tape this year he was our second best lineman compared to Cici and I’d say it was actually close.

Maybe that is a reason we've been mediocre so long. Who we think our the best players still aren't good enough on another team in college or the NFL

 

[DMoney]

Maybe that is a reason we've been mediocre so long. Who we think our the best players still aren't good enough on another team in college or the NFL

The McGinn reports are usually like this in tone. These are gruff old scouts.

They have him as a 3rd/4th rounder which I think is a solid result.

 

[Astcloud11]

Maybe that is a reason we've been mediocre so long. Who we think our the best players still aren't good enough on another team in college or the NFL

Except our OL was widely considered top 5 in the league last year with him being a large part of it. Clemson won 2 championships, and played in 4, with some great seasons before they made it to the big game. From 2012-2019 draft classes they had 1 offensive lineman drafted (a Guard drafted in the 3rd round, 2014). Not only did we have a Guard drafted higher than them in the same 2014 draft (by 7 picks), but we also had 6 lineman drafted in that same time frame, including a first rounder at Tackle.

 

[TriStarCane]

anyone worried about the opinions of scouts or front office needs to remember that there are like 10 good front offices in the league. Some of these scouts are scouting for teams that perpetually suck and they are a reason why

 

[Damiencane86]

I thought 4th-6th round territory was fair. Above average performer with position flexibility. But he had some injuries in his career and was never truly dominant. Also, didn't have eye popping numbers at combine or pro day. Mid rounds is where you fall with that type level body of work. Jalen should be a 2nd team OL who at least has 1-4 years in league.

 

[CanefaninBuckeyeland]

anyone worried about the opinions of scouts or front office needs to remember that there are like 10 good front offices in the league. Some of these scouts are scouting for teams that perpetually suck and they are a reason why

Additionally, many scouts and front office personnel think more highly of themselves than their records would indicate. Their sense of self-importance manifests by being overly critical and having "the highest of standards". Come to think of it, this could be applied to a few here on CIS.

 

[Ghurd8]

Additionally, many scouts and front office personnel think more highly of themselves than their records would indicate. Their sense of self-importance manifests by being overly critical and having "the highest of standards". Come to think of it, this could be applied to a few here on CIS.

Couldn't be more on point. **** is comical

 

[gogeta4]

hes a mid rounder 3rd-5 round5th roeverything else is mumbo jumbo.

He fits well at a place like Philly with hi size and versatility and im willing to bet he would be on their board.

His movement skills arent a1 but he also may fit the dolphins a bit if they want to go to a more stout guard type prospect in the mid rounds.

 

[BoxingRobes]

You draft Jalen Rivers with an eye to being a possible starting guard in Y2 or Y3 in your program and hopefully he allows you to get out from underneath a big iOL contract and get some good rookie contract play. That late 3, early 4 range seems like a sweet spot...but the injury concerns and not seeing peak play yet - even in spurts - maybe you can get Rivers at a bit of a discount with the same intent.

Not an analog to play style, but there is plenty to think he can be another Trey Smith (Tennessee -> Chiefs). Maybe not starting right away, but a value brand late Day 3 OL that showed versatility, but not peak play with an injury history, a good plus athlete at the position with a body ready to contribute. Trey Smith's learning curve was short. Jalen Rivers? idk. Lets see. I think most teams would be happy to have him to develop. Same with that Iowa State tackle.

 

[cowboycane]

I want to know more about him getting edged at the Senior Bowl didn't know that was part of the festivities.

 

[cway313]

Outside of Cam and Arroyo the only other Cane I would want us to draft this year.

 

[Phydeaux]

If he can stay healthy there’s no reason he can’t have a long career. May be a journeyman moving around and around but I hope he gets picked up by a team that develops their OL like the Eagles, Ravens, Lions, Browns, Chiefs.

Type of guy eagles recently and steelers historically love
Can play all 5 spots and can start (develop)
Will be a perfect guy in your top 6

 

[BeachCanes]

He’s got some Robert Hunt to his game. Longer arms than Hunt who I believe got a 100M+ contract. I think people are starting to move away from the outdated belief that tackles should be a lot more valued than a guard. I’m hoping the Dolphins pick Rivers.