Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Brenden Rice
- USC
- Transfer from Colorado
- Height-6021
- Weight-212 lbs
- Fourth-year Senior
- 4-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 179 targets, 111 receptions, 1,821 yards, 16.4 YPR, 21 touchdowns
- Games watched: North Carolina 2023, Georgia 2023, Florida 2023, Mississippi State 2023
Strengths
When running routes, Rice understands how to take advantage of leverage. Once the cornerback commits with his hips, Rice puts his foot in the ground and breaks to create separation.
Rice is strong at the point of attack in the running game. Engages with defenders and drives them back when run blocking.
He is at his best when running quick game, mainly slants. Rice maximizes leverage and has a big frame to shield the defender
Weaknesses
Rice isn’t the most fluid athlete. He lumbers out of the blocks and doesn’t break sharply
When taking defenders vertically, Rice doesn’t have truly great speed to challenge corners, which will hinder him at the next level, as he’s not shifty either.
For his playstyle, expectations would be that he’s good at contested catch situations. He was not in 2023, catching just 3/12 passes. In his career, he only caught 18/37.
Overview
| Hands | 7.8/10 |
| Release | 7.4/10 |
| Route Running | 11.3/15 |
| Separation | 11.1/15 |
| Contested Catches | 7.3/10 |
| Tracking | 7.3/10 |
| Body Control | 7.2/10 |
| YAC Ability | 7.0/10 |
| Agility | 6.8/10 |
| Grade | 73.2/100 Fourth Round |
Rice might be the son of Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice but he isn’t the same player. I don’t see Rice being a starting-caliber player at the next level. He is too stiff and doesn’t have the requisite explosiveness to take things to the next level.
