Film Room: Finding a role for Jalen Rivers

Versatility, thy name is Rivers.

The Cincinnati Bengals proclaimed throughout the pre-draft process that they valued versatility on the offensive line, so it should be no surprise that they selected Jalen Rivers on Day 3.

The Miami Hurricanes standout made starts at both tackle and guard for The U. Rivers has a wide frame and long arms. He moves his feet well in small spaces and shows power as a blocker.

Let’s take a closer look at what Rivers brings to the Bengals.

In this clip, Rivers does a good job on his initial pass block on the edge, though you can see where his length might limit his potential at tackle. What really impresses me is how well he moves laterally as Cam Ward looks to go in and out, then back in again, and the defender reacts.

This projects well to pass pro from the interior of the line.

Here we get a look at Rivers actually playing guard.

Again, we see nice footwork. The defender stunts inside, but Rivers is all over it, basically mirroring his movement. He has a little help from the center at first, but when the defensive lineman decides to bull rush, Rivers holds his ground.

This must have been a very frustrating rep for the defender who failed to beat Rivers with speed or power.

This is an even better example of Rivers’s anchor.

His hands are initially a bit wide, which allows the defender to get a strong initial push, but then Rivers sinks his hips and reestablishes his base. Pause it at the nine-second mark and you’ll see what I am talking about. He then brings the fight back to the defender, rolling his hips through and creating power.

Ty Robinson had seven sacks for the Nebraska Cornhuskers last season, and if that isn’t enough of a qualification for you, he was drafted by the Eagles, who know a thing or two about defensive linemen. Rivers handles him with ease on this rep.

Rivers has a nice initial punch with inside hands. Robinson chops at Rivers’s arms and tries to get to the outside, but Rivers pivots and picks the block back up. Rivers maintains good leverage throughout the block and moves his feet well to maintain position between Robinson and the “quarterback.”

Let’s be real, though. Where are we most likely to see Rivers this season?

Why, as an extra short-yardage tight end, of course.

He does a fantastic job on this down block, driving the defender out of the hole and creating a lane for the running back.

Rivers brings the versatility to play at least four positions on the offensive line, which is likely to make him active on game day this fall. As a tackle, he is a bit limited and could struggle with speed off the edge. However, he projects as a potential starter at guard down the line.