Ourlads' Profile:
2024 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about BRENDEN RICE:
USC | HT: 6023 | WT: 208 | 40 time: 4.50 | Arm: 3300 | Hand: 0958 | Wing: 7800
Three-year starter. All-Pac 12 in 2023. Son of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. Began his career at Colorado where he played in 17 games over two seasons prior to transferring to USC. An accomplished track star (sprints), Rice brings an element of size, speed, and physicality in addition to the lineage that can factor right away at the next level. His skill set does not fall far from the tree, as his advanced ball skills and route tactics are detailed and advanced. He plays with a competitive edge that is visibly intense. The try-hard mentality and competitive attitude give him that extra edge in contested situations. Does not have the most fluidity yet and his play speed does not match the timed speed. The NFL frame and style of play will give him a nice start right away, but his ceiling will be determined by advancing as a route runner and playing with more control. Big, strong, and aggressive. Will beat guys up and let them know about it. Has enough burst to get over the top. Hard to get off his point in traffic. Can play through contact. Will overcome crowded situations and track the ball well. Can make the difficult catch with a defender on top of him. Gets off press coverage with a variety of tactics. Needs to clean up his breaks at the top of the route. Balance and control in tight spaces is lacking. Will waste steps and time. Needs more urgency. Does not always play a smooth and clean game. Rice has the baseline tools and competitiveness to be an effective receiver at the next level but his development still needs a few steps before he can be counted on as a starter.
2023 Stats: 45-791, 17.6 ypr, 12 TD. OSR:26/33. Draft projection: 4th/5th round