Brenden Rice: NFL draft| 40 time| Draft profile| College stats| Highlights

Introduction

Brenden Rice is an intriguing wide‐receiver prospect whose lineage, physical tools and college production make him one to watch in the NFL. The son of Hall-of-Famer Jerry Rice, Rice has carved out his own path — from his collegiate years at USC Trojans (and earlier at Colorado Buffaloes) to his entry into the 2024 NFL Draft. In this full profile we’ll examine his draft journey, 40-yard dash time, scouting profile, college stats and highlight moments.

Early Life & Background

Born on March 18, 2002 in Phoenix, Arizona, Brenden Rice attended Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. Being the son of Jerry Rice naturally brought increased attention — yet from early on Brenden showed he had his own strengths: his size, athleticism and willingness to work. He also ran track in high school, underscoring his speed and explosiveness.

In 2020 he joined Colorado and then transferred to USC in 2022, seeking a larger stage and fresh opportunity.

College Career & Stats

Brenden’s college career can be viewed in two segments: his early years at Colorado and his breakout at USC.

Colorado years

• In his first two years at Colorado he accumulated modest numbers: 27 receptions for 419 yards and 5 touchdowns over his first 17 games.

• He also contributed as a kick returner, averaging 26.6 yards per return on 19 attempts.
  This period was more about gaining experience, refining his route-running and adapting to collegiate competition.

USC & breakout

Upon transferring to USC, Rice’s role expanded significantly:

• In 2022 he posted career highs at that point: 39 receptions, 611 yards, 4 touchdowns.

• In 2023 he exploded: 45 catches for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns.
  His average yards per catch soared to around 17.6 in 2023, marking him as a vertical threat.

Key attributes in college

• Deep target effectiveness: his average depth of target was the highest on the USC team, at 15.1 air-yards.

• Red-zone scoring: the 12 touchdowns in 2023 show his nose for the end zone.

• Blocking willingness: scouts noted his willingness to block downfield and contribute to the run game — often an undervalued skill for outside receivers.

Summary of production

While his overall reception totals are not among the all‐time elite, the trajectory and efficiency (especially in 2023) make a strong case. His big-play potential and scoring ability stood out, setting the stage for his draft-entry.

40-Yard Dash & Combine / Measurables

One of the most scrutinized aspects of any wide receiver prospect is his 40-yard dash time and other combine/measureable numbers. Rice delivered respectable numbers, though not elite in the sub-4.40s range.

Measured specs

• Height: roughly 6′2″ (or 6′2⅛″) and weight between 208–215 lbs depending on source.

• Arm length: about 33″; hand size: about 9⅜″ (9.38″) in some sources.

40-yard dash & splits

• Official 40-yard dash time of 4.50 seconds.

• Some reports list 4.51 seconds.

• 10-yard split: 1.55 s in one source.

• Vertical leap: 36.5″.

• Broad jump (approx): 9′11″ (119″).

Context & interpretation

A 4.50 time is solid, especially for a 6′2″+ receiver with his frame. It puts him in roughly the 66–70th percentile among similar size receivers according to some combine score breakdowns.

While not elite (i.e., not 4.3–4.4 range), his speed is sufficient and his initial quickness/10-yard split and vertical leap add to his profile as a threat vertically. Scouts note his ability to “explode off the line” and create separation with his burst.

Takeaway

For teams prioritizing size + speed + upside, Rice’s measurables check many boxes. The challenge will be refining his consistency and technique to fully leverage those tools.

Draft Profile & Scouting Report

When you dive into Rice’s draft profile, you’ll see a well-rounded set of traits, a few areas for improvement, and often a “high-ceiling, developmental” label.

Strengths

From scouts and reports:

• Size/speed mix: At ~6′2″ and ~210 lbs with a ~4.50 40 time, Rice has the prototypical “X-receiver” build.

• Strong hands and ball tracking: He demonstrates ability to pluck the ball out of air and high-point catches.

• Yards-after-catch (YAC) ability: His size and burst allow him to generate extra yardage once he has the ball.

• Competitive toughness & physicality: Ease aligning outside, willing blocker, not afraid of contact.

• Big-play threat: His average depth of target and touchdowns show he can take the top off defenses.

Areas for improvement

• Route-tree refinement: Some reports mention his release and inside‐release consistency could be better, as he sometimes takes extra steps or “dances” at the line.

• Lateral quickness: While his vertical burst is good, lateral change of direction is somewhat weaker; he may struggle to create separation on shorter routes.

• Physical matchups: Against very physical cornerbacks or strong press coverage, Rice may need to use more refined technique rather than relying purely on athleticism.

• Consistency: Some production variance and the need to be a week-in, week-out contributor rather than only in flashes.

Draft outlook

Many draft analysts viewed Rice as a mid‐round pick with upside. He possessed traits that teams covet for outside receivers (height, speed, big-play ability) but also some developmental flags that kept him from being a premier first-round lock. For example, one mock draft noted he was “currently not being talked about as a top‐level draftable pro player … but come April 2024 don’t be surprised if he’s in the mix.”

After the 2024 NFL Combine and Senior Bowl, his visibility increased. With 2023 production demonstrating his growth (45 catches, 791 yards, 12 touchdowns) the projection improved.

2024 NFL Draft & Professional Outlook

The 2024 Draft concluded with Brenden Rice being selected in the 7th round, pick No. 225 overall, by the Los Angeles Chargers.

What led to the slide?

Despite a strong end to his college career, Rice’s draft slide can be attributed to:

• Depth of wide receiver class in 2024, increasing competition.

• Some doubts about his polish and route-running readiness.

• Possibly a mismatched team scheme fit for some earlier in the draft.
  His father Jerry Rice was quoted noting frustration at his son falling into the seventh round, even though the Chargers had initially had a higher grade on him (3rd-4th round) per their coach.

Professional expectations & fit

Joining the Chargers, Rice stepped into a situation where the team had recently lost prominent receivers (e.g., Keenan Allen, Mike Williams) creating opportunity for newcomers.

He profiles as:

• A developmental outside receiver with upside for vertical threats and deep passes.

• Potential special-teams contributor (given his kick-return experience at Colorado).

• With refinement of routes and consistency, a mid-round steal who could outperform his draft slot.
  For teams and analysts, the key questions remain: Can he refine his technique? Will he show consistent separation and become a reliable target? Can he turn his “tools” into production at the pro level?

Highlights & Notable Moments

Here are some of the standout moments and traits that define Rice’s highlight reel:

• At the 2024 NFL Combine: Rice’s vertical leap of 36.5″, broad jump near 9′11″ and 40-yard dash of 4.50-4.51 s all dropped jaws and showed his explosiveness.

• At USC in 2023: His 45 receptions, 791 yards and 12 touchdowns placed him among the best deep threats in the Pac-12.

• In games: Scouts noted his ability to “erase” defenders, win contested catches, and convert plays into extra yards.

• Red-zone production: His touchdown rate and big target alignment made him a reliable choice near the goal line.

A standout play, for example, would show Rice beating a coverage corner vertically, catching the ball in stride 15+ yards downfield, and turning the catch into a long gain — perfectly aligning with his profile as a vertical threat with yards after the catch.

Strengths in Depth

Let’s unpack some of his strengths in more detail:

1. Size + Speed

Rice sits in a sweet spot: large enough to be a physical outside receiver (~6′2″, ~210 lbs), fast enough (4.50 40-time) to threaten downfield. Many receivers trade one for the other; Rice strikes a strong balance.

2. Big-Play Vertical Ability

His yards per catch and depth of target metrics indicate he frequently aligned on go-routes, post-routes and vertical stems — not just short / intermediate work. That makes him dangerous when the defense lets him get behind.

3. Hands & Body Control

Scouts praise his ability to track the ball, high-point it, and extend his frame to make catches. That’s a trait that translates well at the pro level.

4. Blocking & Competitiveness

He brings willingness to block and physicality in the running game — a trait undervalued in receivers but one that builds trust with coaches.

5. Production Momentum

His numbers rose steadily, culminating in 2023’s breakout season. That upward trend suggests growth and adaptation, two things scouts like.

Weaknesses & Risks

No prospect is perfect. Here are the key risks with Brenden Rice:

1. Route-Craft & Release

Large receivers sometimes struggle with quickness off the line or separating on short routes. Some scouts noted Rice would “dance” at the line rather than execute crisp releases, which can hamper separation in the NFL.

2. Lateral Agility

While his vertical burst is strong, his change-of-direction agility or ability to thrive on short/slot routes is less developed. That may limit his versatility early on.

3. Physical Matchups & Consistency

Against press coverage or very physical cornerbacks, Rice may face challenges in technique and leverage. Also, he will need to consistently replicate his big plays week-in, week-out to move from “flash” to “fixture.”

4. Draft Stock Slide

His slide to the 7th round suggests some teams saw enough risks to push him down. That itself becomes a mental hurdle and challenge he’ll need to overcome — proving his value beyond draft slot.

Fit & Projection in NFL

How and where might Rice succeed at the NFL level? What kind of player might he become?

Role fit options

• Outside X-receiver in a vertical-threat scheme: Teams that like pushing the ball deep will value his size/speed combo.

• Complementary target: He may not be the #1 WR immediately, but as a #2 or #3 with big-play ability, he can open up the field.

• Special teams: His kick return background from Colorado gives him a roster-value booster.

Developmental timeline

In Year 1–2: Expect him to contribute on special teams, run some vertical/deep routes, and learn from veteran receivers/coaches.
By Year 3–4: If he refines his route-running, increases separation consistency and uses his physical attributes, he could become a mid-level starter or high-end role player (e.g., 60–70 catches, 1 000+ yards, 8–10 TDs in a good year).

Comparison & Upside

Given his traits, Rice’s ceiling could be a high-end No.2 receiver or—if everything clicks—then perhaps a No.1 option in a vertical offense. His floor, given his draft slot, is an early-career special-teams contributor and rotational wideout. The key is conversion of tools to production.

Key Highlight Clips & Moments

• His Combine workout: A vertical leap of 36.5″ and broad jump near 9′11″ caught eyes.

• 2023 USC season: Over 17.6 yards per catch and 12 touchdowns, showing big-play value.

• Senior Bowl/Pre-draft: Demonstrated his ability to stretch the field and win one-on-one matchups. (Scouting reports mentioned these showings)

One clip worthy of note: a sideline catch where Rice must high-point the ball, land with both feet and turn upfield for extra yards. These are the kinds of plays that illustrate his vertical threat and ball skills.

Why His Story Matters

• Legacy & lineage: Being the son of Jerry Rice brings inherent expectations, but Brenden has forged his own path and identity.

• Upside vs draft value: Falling to the 7th round gives him the “underdog” label; if he succeeds, the return on investment for his team would be high.

• Modern WR archetype: As the NFL evolves, teams value tall, fast, big-play receivers. Rice fits that mold.

• Growth narrative: His upward trajectory in college shows an ability to develop, which is crucial at the pro level.

Final Thoughts & Outlook

Brenden Rice is a very good example of a high-ceiling receiver prospect with clear strengths and sharpenable weaknesses. His size, speed, hands and big-play ability give teams reasons to believe he can succeed. On the flip side, his technique, consistency and adaptation to pro‐level defenders will determine how high he climbs.

Given his draft slot in the 7th round, he enters the league with less immediate pressure than a first-rounder — but also less margin for error. If he seizes the opportunity, he could become a steal of the 2024 draft for whichever team unlocks his potential.

For fans and analysts: keep an eye on his first-year involvement (special teams, deep targets), his progression in route-running and separation, and his ability to convert vertical threats into consistent production. If those align, Rice may evolve from “interesting prospect” to “go-to wideout.”