Chiefs WR Rashee Rice predicted to have big role in 2023
The Kansas City Chiefs are undergoing changes at wide receiver for the second year in a row; and, they are counting on another second-round rookie to make an impact for the second year in a row. This time, it's Rashee Rice's turn to try and crack the code that is becoming an effective rookie receiver […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are undergoing changes at wide receiver for the second year in a row; and, they are counting on another second-round rookie to make an impact for the second year in a row.
This time, it's Rashee Rice's turn to try and crack the code that is becoming an effective rookie receiver in Andy Reid's system. Skyy Moore, last year's second-round WR, didn't have the impact many thought he would, although he did flash at times.
Reid's offense is not easy on rookies – hell, it can even be tough on veterans who are in their first year. Fortunately, CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso thinks Rice can finally break the Chiefs mold and have a big year.
Rice is the second-round Chiefs rookie receiver who's going to pop instantly. He's a compact wideout from a spaced-out offense not too dissimilar philosophically from Andy Reid's attack. Beyond that, Rice is a contested-catch winner and scary YAC threat. It's easy to understand why the Chiefs picked him. There are plenty of targets to go around in Kansas City. Rice will be a highish-volume producer in Year 1.- Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports
Patrick Mahomes showed last year that it doesn't really matter who is playing receiver. As long as the offensive line is solid, Travis Kelce is the tight end, and Reid is the head coach – Mahomes has all he needs to be the NFL's MVP.
However, it will certainly help him to have a dominate receiver and No. 1 guy to throw to. I mean, the Chiefs won their first Super Bowl in 50 years because of the infamous "2-3 Jet Chip Wasp" play that led to Tyreek Hill's game-changing first-down conversion on 3rd and 15.
The Chiefs have one specific candidate in Kadarius Toney, who certainly displayed WR1 ability last year, but he has to show he can play a full NFL season, first. Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Richie James are also in the mix, but they haven't shown they can be a WR1 in the NFL, yet.
In other words: Rice is certainly in position to have a big year. The question is, can he do it?
You can check out Trapasso's full column, here.
Featured image via Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
