Big Blue View
Could Rivers be a starter in waiting for the Giants?
The New York Giants offensive line was much improved in 2024, and it should be fine for the 2025 season.
There are some questions regarding the right side of the line with veteran Greg Van Roten entering free agency, but the Giants have several options available. The long view, however, is less certain and the Giants could be well-served to have talent in the pipeline to develop into a starting guard or tackle.
Miami offensive lineman Jalen Rivers has experience starting at both tackle and guard, though all of it on the left side. He could develop into a starter at either position.
Giants’ offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has already coached Rivers as the head coach of the National Team at the 2025 Senior Bowl.
Prospect: Jalen Rivers (64)
Games Watched: vs. Florida (2024), vs. Louisville (2024), vs. Wake Forest (2024), vs. Syracuse (2024)
Red Flags: Leg - Undisclosed (2024)
Height: 6-foot-5 (estimated)
Weight: 325
Best traits
Rivers is a big, versatile, and athletic offensive lineman.
He’s a wide-bodied lineman listed at 6-foot-5, 325 pounds with obvious power in his upper and lower body. He also appears to have long arms, which complete a versatile build that allowed him to play both tackle and guard for Miami (though obviously not at the same time).
Rivers has quick feet for a player his size, with impressive body control and spatial awareness. There were multiple instances in the tape viewed where he was able to alter his kick-slide to cover ground while avoiding getting tangled in teammates’ feet – and did so while keeping his eyes up and on the defense. His short, choppy steps keep his feet close to the ground and ready to anchor once he engages a defender. Rivers is athletic enough to match most edge defenders at the collegiate level as well as mirror athletic defenders on the interior. Likewise, he uses his feet well to deal with power and anchor against bullrushes.
Rivers plays with good hip and pad level. There are instances where he allows his pads to rise once engaged or on longer reps, but he usually maintains good leverage throughout the rep.
He is a reliable pass protector who makes an obvious effort to sustain his blocks for as long as possible. He’s also a versatile run blocker who has the athleticism to execute outside zone blocks or pull, as well as enough power to execute inside zone or down hill man-gap blocks.
Worst traits
Rivers is a good athlete within his range, however that range also appears somewhat limited. He has quick feet but doesn’t cover much ground in his kick-slide. That can lead to him struggling to mirror speed off the edge, as well as getting back inside if he needs to redirect to deal with B-gap...
