The name Brenden Rice is easily recognizable. After all, when your father is the legendary Jerry Rice, it’s hard not to be noticed. More importantly, the young wideout made a name for himself at USC.
In 2023, Rice finished with 45 catches for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns, serving as Caleb Williams’s favorite target. It makes sense as to why he was the WR1. His route running is solid, to the point where it’s better than most of the receivers in his class. Also, he had decent long speed which stems from his long strides (note: Rice was a former track sprinter). The wideout can also do the dirty work. Rice showed signs of being an impressive blocker which can be credited to his long arms.
Why Does Any Of This Matter?
With all of the things mentioned above, you would think Rice would have been drafted in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. The third or fourth round seemed reasonable for the young prospect. But, he slid. Slid far.
Round after round passed, and it wasn’t until the seventh round that the Los Angeles Chargers finally took a chance on Rice. 31 receivers were taken before him. A disappointment, indeed.
A guy with great size and a vertical threat falling this far was absolutely ridiculous to see. But, the Chargers made the right decision. After losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the team desperately needed to replenish their receiving corps and replace the lost production.
Los Angeles made sure to fix that, drafting three receivers including Rice. With the uncertainty that Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston can produce as top receivers, the USC product could potentially step up and be Justin Herbert‘s favorite target.
He has the skills to do so. For one, he was the top target for a first-round pick in Caleb Williams. Now in the NFL, Rice’s skills can allow him to serve that same role for another former first-round pick in Herbert. They do have that Pac-12 connection, after all (Herbert played at the University of Oregon).
The son of Jerry Rice should not have fallen to the seventh round in the NFL Draft. Brenden Rice will make sure the other 31 teams regret passing on him.
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