Ourlads' Profile:
2021 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about MONTY RICE: Georgia, 6002 238 4.58. Two year starter, Huntsville, AL. Solid fundamental linebacker with instincts versus inside runs. Fits inside gaps and can take an open window to make plays in the backfield. Powerful attacking blocks bending his knees and using his hands to stun and create separation. Does a nice job shedding while working to the ball. Has good lateral agility and can make plays in space. Explodes into tackles with gather and finish. Has blitz skill finding a crease and showing a burst to close. Has lined up on the edge and shown first step quickness blitzing. Has closing speed chasing in pursuit. Can make plays on the perimeter. In 2019 he wasn’t used often in coverage on passing downs, but last season developed into a decent zone defender getting depth in his drop and locating receivers. Closes voids in zones well with quick change of direction to find throwing lanes. Shows some burst breaking on short underneath throws. Has speed to stay with backs on wheel routes in man coverage. Flashed ability to mirror route breaks and can get to the catch point. Occasionally overly deliberate with initial read and can be late reacting as a result. At times will be late reacting to cut backs allowing a back to pick an opening. Struggled at times with slight hesitation in coverage getting him out of position. Some of his inconsistency in 2020 was most likely impacted by a lingering foot injury. This was unfortunate because there was some improvement in perceived vulnerable areas. This is a player scouts will have to study all the critical factors to get a great feel for his NFL potential. Has the athletic ability needed for the position. If healthy, he figures to be a solid inside prospect with three down potential. 2020 stats: 49 T, 4 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU, 3 QBH, 2 FF, 1 FR (1 TD). Fourth/fifth round. (A-30 3/8, H-8 5/8, BP-NA, SS-4.33, VJ-32).