2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Brenden Rice, WR, USC

Brenden Rice is an above-average athlete at USC with tons of potential. He's the son of NFL great and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and knows how to attack the ball. Hula Bowl scout Lawrence Sanft breaks down Brenden Rice as an NFL Prospect in his report. — Brenden Rice is an above-average athlete at USC with tons of potential. He’s the son of NFL great and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice and knows how to attack the ball. Hula Bowl scout Lawrence Sanft breaks down Brenden Rice as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Brenden Rice, #2
School (Code)	CASC
DOB, Class Yr	3/18/2002, Sr.
Height, Weight	6030 210lbs
40 Yd Dash	4.50
Position/Depth	WR, Starter
Honors/Captainship	None
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	9/24 vs. ORST, 11/19 vs. CALA, 12/2 vs. UTUN
Scout Name / Date	Lawrence Sanft, 8/10/22

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	39 rec 611 yds 4 TDs
2021	21 rec 299 yds 3 TDs
2020	6 rec 120 yds 2 TDs
2019	N/A

Player Summary:

Rice is a Senior that has played 2 years at COUN and last season with CASC. He’s the son of Hall of Famer and Super Bowl champion wide receiver Jerry Rice. Plays the F receiver position in CASC’s Air Raid offensive scheme. Has good height,weight, and speed to play the position. Has good athletic ability with quick feet, COD, movement, agility, and balance. Shows above-average ability as a blocker with effort, willingness, and adjustment on the move. Above-average vs. coverage to find open areas in zone, read coverages and awareness of field situations. Above-average initial quickness with burst into routes and off ball movement. Above-average running patterns with stride, body control and come out of turn smoothly. Average reaction to ball to see and adjust to ball in flight. Above-average reaction in a crowd to be a big target and go over the middle. Above-average release to not get held up at the LOS. A determined runner after the catch showing above-average ability to fight for yards. Below-average ability to receive long with marginal speed to get deep, marginal close cushion, marginal ability to force separation with DB. Below-average separation with marginal ability to burst and separate with defenders. Overall, Rice is more productive when he runs short and underneath routes. Lacks playmaking ability as he’s not mainly targeted on 3rd downs and saw his role reduced in the PAC 12 championship game as they need more speed on the perimeter.

Scheme Fit:

F Receiver in a Pro Style offensive scheme

Power Statement:

Rice is a strong physical player who lacks the speed and acceleration to play the position, a prospect that can contribute in Special Teams with potential to become a starter.