Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes thinks Rashee Rice can be a top WR in the NFL and he has the perfect teacher for that
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice was one of the most productive rookies in franchise history. He accounted for 22.4 percent of the team's total receiving yards during his first season in the league. The star quarterback throwing him the ball thinks that Rice is only going to get better from here. Speaking to […]
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice was one of the most productive rookies in franchise history. He accounted for 22.4 percent of the team's total receiving yards during his first season in the league. The star quarterback throwing him the ball thinks that Rice is only going to get better from here.
Speaking to media members on Wednesday, Patrick Mahomes spoke on the talent that the rookie wide receiver possesses and how he progressed throughout the season.
"A ton of talent," Mahomes said. "I saw that from Day 1. But with rookies, especially in Coach Reid's offense, it takes time. It takes time to learn the different ways we run routes and the ways you have to read coverage at the same time. He just continued to get better and that's why I think you saw his production really get an uptick as the year went on."
Rice never hit the dreaded "rookie wall" during the 2023 NFL season. He kept growing within the system, but he also developed even greater chemistry with Mahomes as the season progressed. Even with a tremendous year under his belt, Mahomes thinks that Rice hasn't even touched his ceiling yet as an NFL wide receiver.
Mahomes gives Rice a major vote of confidence for the future
Mahomes knows that Rice will be a big part of the team's future after the season he's had, but what could that future look like? He envisions a future where Rice is regarded as one of the top receivers in the NFL.
"I still think he has a long way to go," Mahomes told reporters on Wednesday. "He can continue to get better and better and be one of the top receivers in this league."
Needless to say, Rice thinks very highly of Mahomes, too. KSHB-TV's Aaron Ladd spoke to Rice about his relationship with QB1:
Rice has the perfect teacher to help him reach new heights
The rookie out of SMU has spoken on the role that WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling played in his development this year. He's got another veteran player in his ear who has made all the difference during his first NFL season as well.
On Thursday, Rice revealed that Travis Kelce has helped him continue to grow within the offense, but also learn some of the intricacies of what can help out Mahomes when plays break down.
"Travis (Kelce) teaches me everything from when Pat (Mahomes) is doing like a scramble drill," Rice said. "He's just buying time and I'm over there watching how the line is going to fall so I can find a window for Pat. Just kind of getting muscle memory. Then, you know, just on certain routes he's trying to tell me like, 'If this linebacker is here and turns his shoulders upfield, that means he's trying to run deep with the slot.' So you just buy a little bit more time and stay vertical. Stuff like that so that I can buy time and let the defense clear."
With Mahomes' vote of confidence and Kelce in his ear giving him pointers, the sky is the limit for Rice's career.
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