Rashee Rice breakdown
Position: Wide Receiver
School: SMU
Year: Junior
Measurables: 6’2 203 pounds
Player Overview:
SMU’s go-to receiver in 2022, Rashee Rice had an outstanding season. Rice caught 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns on their year. In the Rhett Lashlee’s offense, Rice was able to flourish more so than years prior. In 2021, Rice caught 64 passes for 670 yards and 9 touchdowns. Rice’s development over his career at SMU has been one to speak on. Coming in as a 3-star prospect out of high school, Rice has exceeded any expectations or limitations placed on him coming into college.
Pros:
At 6’2 203 pounds, Rice plays like a big body receiver that knows how to go get every ball in his range. There have been may complicated catches that Rice has made that are unbelievable. Rice has arguably the best hands in this draft class with outstanding hand-eye coordination. The ball control he demonstrates when going up for contested catches is a talent that is coveted by NFL teams across the NFL. One of Rashee Rice’s best attributes is his physicality during and after the catch.
Because Rice plays like a much bigger receiver, he commands respect at the line of scrimmage. This is why many corners don’t play close up on him. Not to mention his deceptive speed that can jump out to many as a surprise because of his size. Rice picks up speed once he gets to the open field with his long stride and quick acceleration. Moreover, Rice has a twitch to his game to make defender miss when he has the ball in his hands.
After the catch, Rice can be a very difficult receiver to bring down. Often times Rice has been seen lowering his shoulder for extra yards. Although Rice is twitchy, he’s not against dishing out his own punishment to defenders as well.
Improvements:
Like most receivers coming into the NFL, route running is one area Rice can improve on. Rice has a tendency to round out on breaks instead of hitting the cut as sharp as can be. There’s also times where his technique takes a dip but is saved by his athletic ability.
Best Fit: Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars,
Draft Projection: 1st – 2nd Round
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