The Cincinnati Bengals made notable moves in the 2025 NFL Draft, securing six promising prospects amidst varying opinions on their overall performance. Leading the charge was Shemar Stewart, a defensive end from Texas A&M with a perfect Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 10, highlighting his exceptional athleticism. In their second round, they drafted linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. from South Carolina, followed by offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild from Georgia in the third round. Continuing their defensive strategy, they picked Barrett Carter from Clemson in the fourth round and rounded off their selections with Miami's Jalen Rivers and Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks in the fifth and sixth rounds, respectively.

Jalen Rivers, a versatile lineman from the Miami Hurricanes, has been selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Rivers, who has spent three seasons adapting to various positions on the offensive line, suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2021 but bounced back to achieve impressive performance metrics in 2022 and 2023. He showcased his strength as a left tackle in his final college season, earning a 74.1 offensive grade and recognition as an All-ACC second-team lineman.

Rivers attributes his success to his adaptability, stating that his ability to play multiple positions on the line makes him valuable to NFL teams. He expressed his lifelong dream of playing in the league and looks forward to contributing to the Bengals with his unique skill set.

The Miami Dolphins enter the final day of the NFL Draft with seven valuable picks, aiming to strengthen their roster. With a fourth-round pick at 116 and multiple fifth and seventh-round selections, the team has a unique opportunity to address critical positions. Notable potential draftees include Kyle McCord, a promising QB from Syracuse, who could serve as a backup for Tua Tagovailoa. Offensive linemen like Cameron Williams and Jalen Rivers stand out, with versatility and potential to shore up the line. Defensively, Aeneas Peebles and Tim Smith bring tenacity to the front line, while Damien Martinez and Oronde Gadsden II offer depth and playmaking ability.

The Cincinnati Bengals are strategically eyeing offensive line prospects following a quiet free agency period. Despite external expectations for significant upgrades at guard, the Bengals' approach has been measured. The latest development involves a scheduled visit with standout guard Jalen Rivers from Miami (OH), a player noted for his potential to develop into a starting role. Standing tall at 6'6" and weighing 319 pounds, Rivers has garnered attention for his versatility, with the ability to play tackle if needed.

In free agency, the Bengals opted not to pursue high-profile guards, perhaps valuing their recent addition of Lucas Patrick more than anticipated. They have retained Cody Ford and are prepared for competition among players like Cordell Volson and Jaxson Kirkland. The Bengals' draft strategy appears focused on optimizing their offensive line, which will be crucial for their ongoing championship aspirations.