Brendan Rice has been selected in the 7th round with pick 225 by the Chargers
It is well-known that Brendan Rice plays the same position as his father, the Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, who is one of the greatest ever to play that position, despite his last name and the legacy of his fathers, the NFL offered no favors to Rice, who ultimately went 225th in the draft.
During his college career, Rice didn’t achieve great production. However, he had some success when he joined USC, where he was used as a vertical threat. This tactic utilized Rice’s explosiveness to his advantage. Despite this, he was not consistent enough to make a significant impact on the NFL Draft. Rice’s best season was last year when he recorded 45 catches, 791 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
Most 7th-round picks wouldn’t draw much attention, but being Jerry Rice’s son adds to the NFL journey. Rice finds himself in a favorable situation, as the Chargers are in dire need of a player who can step up and become the primary target for Justin Herbert. With Keenan Allen no longer with the team, Rice has the opportunity to showcase his skills and become a valuable asset for the Chargers.
Dynasty owners should only draft Rice with their final picks of rookie drafts in a hail-mary attempt to capture the next Puka Nacua.
Brenden Rice has the pedigree to be an NFL great, and the combine may have proven he can be one.
Being the son of one of the Greatest of All Time can be a double-edged sword. The pedigree hints at greatness, but the comparisons will always be there and be harrowing if one doesn’t live up to the name. USC’s Brenden Rice, son of NFL GOAT Jerry, has overcome two of the hurdles, thus far.
Jerry Rice played at Mississippi Valley State, in NCAA Division II. Brenden Rice played 4 years at FBS Power 5 school USC. Hurdle one complete. Brenden participated in the NFL Scouting Combine and posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.5 seconds. His dad was reported between 4.6 and 4.71. Hurdle two complete.
Brenden was measured at just over 6′ 2″ and 208 pounds. His 36.5″ vertical and 9’11” broad jump show good explosiveness, and he had 13 reps on the 225 lb. bench press. He possesses a combination of good size, speed, strength, and explosiveness. None of his traits are “elite”, but none are bad either.
His dad was the same way but what made him different was his work ethic and his brain. If Jerry has passed those traits down to Brenden like he did his athleticism, Brenden could be a nice 2024 Rookie Draft sleeper.
