USC wide receiver Brenden Rice projects as a top-64 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Trojans standout has completely aced the pre-draft process. It began when Rice traveled down to Mobile, Alabama to put forth an outstanding performance at this year's Senior Bowl.
Rice has continued gaining traction since consistently gaining separation throughout his practice reps in Mobile. Rice ran a 4.51 40 at the NFL Combine, a high-quality result for a 6-foot-2, 208-pound receiver. Rice also had a 36.5-inch vertical.
Rice recorded 45 receptions for 791 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns this season. He projects as an immediate contributor in an effective NFL offense. We've identified three ideal fits for Rice.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
There's more than the obvious nostalgia factor here with Rice's father, Jerry Rice, having played for the 49ers. The 49ers have shown legitimate interest in Rice throughout the pre-draft process. Great general managers address needs before they become glaring requirements, which is why I believe John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan will target a receiver.
Brandon Aiyuk is slated to enter a contract year and wants a lucrative extension. Based on the cap ramifications, you also wonder if Deebo Samuel will play out the complete terms of his contract, which is set to expire after 2025. Recent draft picks Danny Gray and Ronnie Bell haven't developed into contributors. Rice would immediately become San Francisco's WR3 with an opportunity to eventually climb the depth chart.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
I'm not convinced the Chargers are drafting a wide receiver at No. 5 overall if Marvin Harrison Jr. isn't on the board. I believe Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze would be worthy of that selection, but Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh believes in building football teams from inside the trenches out. Harbaugh's opinion matters, not mine.
The Chargers could consider Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, or even JC Latham at No. 5 or via trade-back. If they don't address receiver in the first round, Rice becomes a viable option later on. General manager Joe Horitz and the Chargers brass have already hosted Rice on a 30 pre-draft visit.
Justin Herbert is a franchise quarterback who elevates. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are no longer around, but a right tackle is also required to protect the Chargers' most noteworthy investment. Taking advantage of a deep class by drafting Rice in the second or third round is within the realm of possibility.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Chiefs’ need for a receiver was multiplied tenfold when sophomore wideout Rashee Rice was allegedly involved in a racing-related accident over the weekend. I’m still not convinced the Chefs will draft a receiver at No. 32, though. Patrick Mahomes always finds a way to make it work, and both cornerback and offensive tackle are arguably bigger first-round needs.
TDN scout Keith Sanchez sent Rice to the Chiefs at No. 64 in his latest two-round mock draft. Sanchez was onto something. Rice would pair with new signing Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to give Mahomes quality throughout his pass-catching options.
