Understandable to be cautious of prospects like this from small schools, but it really feels like a lot is missing from this analysis. Contrary to this article, the previous receivers from SMU (gray and robberson), actually never came close to rices production, having never topped 800yds to rices 1300. It also fails to mention the exciting parts of rices skillet. He pairs elite athleticism with excellent ball skills, and was one of the most effective receivers on deep balls and contested catches this past year. Better yet, he also displayed an excellent ability to force missed tackles and generate yards after the catch from screens. He worked all over the field. I don’t think we should be undercutting him this much, and while concerns exist about his late breakout and competition, there is far more to his profile than this article would have you believe.
What “way?”
One thing missing from this analysis is that Rice broke his toe in his third game against Maryland and played the rest of the season on a broken toe (and ran his 40 on one).
Before he did that he was up against a first and second round DB on Maryland and absolutely roasted them for 13 catches and 195 yards.
His 40 time is also suspect, as is Hyatt and Addison. PFF suggested it had to do with the laser. In any case, the rumor is he ran in the 4.4s for the Chiefs and since he was part of that Mahomes practice thing down in Texas they saw him first-hand post foot healing.
I could be wrong but I think the Chiefs got a steal. He does things Skyy Moore can’t do and I LIKE Skyy Moore.