Jalen Rivers

Offensive Tackle, Miami

What's your reaction to being selected by Cincinnati?

"I'm extremely excited to be a part of this program. This program, I've visited and I've talked to coaches and I've been watching for a long time, so I'm excited to be a part of building an organization and a team that's going to be great. I'm just another addition to it, so I'm ecstatic right now. Lost for words."

What was most memorable from your visit with this coaching staff?

"Just the family atmosphere of everybody. I got immediately comfortable with everybody in that program and I know a couple of guys on the team like Matt Lee, DJ Ivey that went to the University of Miami as well. The coaches — just great guys. I could tell they are great human beings. Talking to them, I felt like I was right at home, talking regular like with family and friends. That was most memorable and that stuck out the most."

What do you feel your best position is?

"I'd say through this whole process, it's my versatility. Just being able to flex my position from left tackle to guard, or cross-train on both sides. That's my biggest asset to the team."

Are the Bengals viewing you as a left guard?

"They view me as a left guard, but I can swing tackle, so you shouldn't be surprised when you see me there. But in the long run, guard."

You played multiple positions. Was that out of necessity?

"Coach (Mario) Cristobal, when he got there, we cross-trained at every position. You shouldn't be comfortable at just one spot. During games I (was) going from left guard to left tackle. I credit that to the coaching staff and my willingness to get out of my comfort zone. I could have wanted to be just a tackle or just a guard, whatever the case may be, but to show I could play all five positions if I want to is extremely important."

What did you learn playing on the offensive line for Cam Ward at Miami?

"You've got to hold onto your blocks. With him, he's holding the ball for eight (seconds), so you've got to let him do his thing to get guys open and make plays. You've got to give him that time, so it was important to all of us to keep him clean. We tried our best blocking for him. He was a great leader for us at Miami, and now he's going to be a great leader for the Titans. It feels great to block for a quarterback like that, and now Joe Burrow."

What do you hope to work on and improve on in the months ahead?

"Be clean, fast. In the pass game, I have long arms — almost 35 inches — and I just have to play with that all the time. My biggest advantage is to play long and get on the finish quick, and improve my agility and footwork to keep up with the elite pass rushers. So, that aspect of my game."

Did you have several 30 visits?

"The Bengals were my only 30 visit. I did feel a sense after leaving there that it was a great fit for me. I did get that sense that I could definitely be here."

What was your impression of offensive line coach Scott Peters?

"I met with coach Peters and coach (Michael) McCarthy, and we went to dinner. Great guy to talk to. He's straight forward with you. They really care about you and want to get you better. Watching film, they're great teachers. I got that feeling talking with them that they're going to get me better."

Hou would you describe coach Scott Peters' vibe?

"Laid back, calm, very funny. Like I said, a great teacher. He's a guy that cares about his players. Definitely, I feel he'll get you better to the fullest. He's going to care about a guy at the end of the day."

How did growing up with your parents both in the Navy impact you?

"All three of my parents — my mom, dad and step dad — served 25-plus years in the Navy. Growing up, you can imagine how disciplined I was. I owe all my success to my parents. They were strict, of course, but I wouldn't trade it for the world."

Do you know any of the guys the Bengals have picked?

"I played against Shemar Stewart two years ago, but not personally."

What was the scouting report on Shemar Stewart when you went up against him?

"He was a talented guy, he was strong. He was a talented dude and you had to stay on him and block him for as long as you can. He's a talented guy and I'm glad to have him on our squad."