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Aug 23, 2023

Brenden Rice Draft Profile

USC WR Brenden Rice is more than the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice. We dive into his 2024 NFL Draft scouting report and project his future outlook. We’re entering an era filled with familiar surnames

USC WR Brenden Rice is more than the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice. We dive into his 2024 NFL Draft scouting report and project his future outlook.

We’re entering an era filled with familiar surnames populating throughout college football as the sons of yesterday’s stars emerge as NFL Draft prospects. One of the most intriguing 2024 NFL Draft WR prospects is the son of the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Jerry Rice. We’re diving into USC wide receiver Brenden Rice’s scouting report as he prepares to enter the league next season.

Rice began his collegiate career at Colorado, totaling 27 receptions for 419 yards and five touchdowns across his first 17 games. He was an electric kick returner, averaging 26.6 yards per return on 19 attempts. In 2022, Rice transferred to USC to play for Lincoln Riley, setting career highs in receptions (39), yards (611), and touchdowns (four).

Rice is a gifted athlete who has had impressive peaks throughout his career.

He broke out against Tulane in the Cotton Bowl to end the 2022-2023 season, totaling a career-high six catches for 174 yards. It’s not the first time Rice stepped up in a big game, as he caught five passes for 102 yards and one touchdown, plus added six kick returns for 162 yards against Oregon in 2021.

Rice’s height and foot speed combination makes him an intriguing, NFL-caliber playmaker. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands, able to create after the catch and find open space. He has the body control to play as an outside receiver and the hands and creativity to slide into the slot.

Rice’s final season in college must show more consistency. Despite his big frame, he’s not especially strong at playing through contact on routes or winning jump balls against defenders. He’ll have to show he’s more of a route technician than someone who improvises, which the entire offense must also improve upon.

Rice is a draftable talent with a mid-Day 3 grade entering the season. His explosiveness and unique traits for his size make him someone worth rostering and developing.

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