2023 Senior Bowl Scouting Notes: WR Rashee Rice, SMU

Rashee Rice has been a remarkably productive receiver at SMU, especially over the last two seasons. However, being remarkably productive doesn’t always translate into NFL receiver, and Rashee Rice is a long ways away from being a guy who can be a starting NFL receiver. I don’t think any team is looking at Rice as a potential starter at the next level, but they want to see Rice at the Senior Bowl to find out just where his ceiling is as an NFL player.

Rashee Rice

Z WR – Southern Methodist Mustangs

HT: 6015
WT: 206
Year: Super Junior
High School: Richland (North Richland Hills, TX)
Rating: 3-star (0.8626)

Projected Draft Grade: Future Backup Z

Projection: 7th/PFA

Rashee Rice is a playmaker after the catch w/the ability to make defenders miss, his effective breakaway speed & quickness in space. His balance allows him to make meaningful yds after contact. SMU puts the ball in his hands in a variety of ways to showcase those skills #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/q0qQt6bdFX
— WBG84 (@WBG84) November 10, 2022

Rashee Rice scouting notes

Pros:

Good footwork, especially on timing routes.
Has a good release and gains positioning well off of press.
Can body defenders at the catch point for balls.
Big receiver, difficult to bring down. Plays tough. Doesn’t have an arsenal of moves. Doesn’t show a lot of field vision.

Cons:

Rice’s running form looks awkward, and he loses speed because of it. Average speed at best.
Looks like he lacks some explosion compared to other players in his position group.
Ran a limited route tree at SMU.
Just doesn’t show a great catch radius.
Struggles with concentration drops.
Has an average jump and doesn’t consistently win jump balls, or even position well to win them.
Flashes the ability to catch through contact, but doesn’t do it consistently. Was simply overused and gets tired throughout a game.
Has the release and enough athleticism to be a deep threat, but has issues that prevent him from being consistent down the field.