Rashee Rice (Chiefs) Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
Draft Team: Kansas City Chiefs, Round 2, 10th pick (55th overall)
Ah the sweet-sweet combination of draft capital and landing spot. Rashee Rice, an ascending prospect who has major upside, lands in a perfect scenario to take his skills mainstream. It’s important not to get too excited about the landing spot alone, as Patrick Mahomes’ presence often bumps fantasy players’ perceived value beyond their actual output. But if Rice can put it all together, he has the chops to be the WR1 in this offense.
After the departure of Tyreek Hill, Kansas City has been searching for adequate replacements to help make up for his game-breaking ability. Obviously, they coped OK last year with winning the Super Bowl and all, but much of that was on the shoulders of Travis Kelce. That and the two other major contributors of Juju Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman are now gone. The combination of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kardarius Toney, and Skyy Moore leaves a lot to be desired.
Still, Rice needs to continue to polish his game to be a true contributor in KC. The three players above aren’t difficult to hop on the depth chart, but Rice can’t get away with the inconsistencies he showed in college. He is not a slam dunk to come into Kansas City and produce right away, and still has boom-bust risk attached. Given the potential upside, a late second-round pick seems right, but don’t go crazy chasing Kansas City’s offense on a risky asset.
Rashee Rice Draft Preview
Rashee Rice is one of, if not my favorite prospects in the entire draft. This doesn’t mean he’s the most impressive or explosive, but he’s downright fun to watch. A bit of an enigma, his best film compares favorably with the more higher touted members of his draft class, but consistency has been a major issue. If Rice can clean up his game he could be a steal for the team that drafts him.
Measurables
- 6’1″ 204 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.51 seconds
- Vertical Jump – 41″
- Broad Jump – 10’8″
Stats at SMU
- 2022: 96 catches, 1355 yards, 10 TDs
- 2021: 64 catches, 670 yards, 9 TDs
- 2020: 48 catches, 683 yards, 5 TDs
- 2019: 25 catches, 403 yards, 1 TD
Strengths
The combination of size and speed that you want in an NFL wide receiver. Creates separation easily with quick feet or long speed. Looks at home with the ball in his hands, forcing numerous missed tackles in the open field. One of the bigger catch radius’ in the class, with the ability to make jaw-dropping grabs. Doesn’t run the whole tree but has natural route-running ability and good feel for the game.
Weaknesses
Can be maddeningly inconsistent across much of his game, needs to refine his skills. Has great hands but way too many concentration drops. Limited route tree run as mentioned above, will need to develop his game as NFL offense will be a huge step up.
Grade: B+
Rice has everything you are looking for in a wide receiver prospect, with the added bonus of some spectacular catching ability. But, there is also a ton to clean up in his game. He feels a bit boom-bust given how much of a step up the NFL will be, but if he can put it all together he could easily be a WR1 in the NFL. He’s worth a long look in dynasty.
Patrick Whelan is a 34-year-old fantasy football writer, dynasty league enthusiast, and DFS player based out of Chicago. When he’s not watching his Detroit Lions disappoint on Sundays, he’s crafting brand strategy for Gatorade, rooting on his Michigan Wolverines, or cooking elaborate meals. You can follow him on Twitter @PdiddyWay
