Could the San Francisco 49ers recreate new memories with another Rice?
Turns out the NFC champions have interacted with Brenden Rice at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine — the same Rice who has an immensely revered father among the 49ers faithful.
Details Emerge on 49ers’ Meeting With Son of Jerry Rice
The USC wide receiver and son of four-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Jerry Rice met with the original franchise his dad played for, the younger Rice confirmed with reporters in Indianapolis on Friday.
“Man, that was ecstatic,” Rice said in describing the moment of talking to the team his father helped to four Super Bowl victories and global popularity.
Rice shared some details of how his conversation with the 49ers’ brass went.
“We discussed topics of how I can get better and how I could contribute to the 49ers,” Rice explained. “And just be a part of what my dad left a legacy at.”
Then, the NFL prospect who watched his father make memorable catches and shatter records got asked the burning question: How would it feel to play for his dad’s former team? Turns out, Rice already loves the offense the Niners have in place.
“It’s super dynamic,” Rice began. “You have a whole lot of threats over there. And just to be a part of that offense to know that I’m going with guys who are Pro Bowlers and some who may be future Hall of Famers as well as Brock Purdy, who’s from my home of Chandler, Arizona, it’s a nostalgic moment.”
How Did Brenden Rice Fare Collegiately? Looking at His Rise to NFL Draft Prospect
Unlike his father, Rice ended up experiencing the Power Five realm, trekking to the Pac-12. But unlike his accomplished father, Rice played for two different college programs.
Rice started as an Aug. 2020 enrollee at the University of Colorado. Then a four-star prospect, Rice was originally set to play for former Buffaloes head coach Karl Dorrell.
Rice played in 17 total games for the Buffs. He snatched just 27 catches for 419 yards and scored five touchdowns in two seasons, but he subsequently entered the transfer portal.
Following Rice’s transfer to USC, his career started to take off almost immediately. While playing in the Lincoln Riley-led Air Raid offense, Rice went on to total 84 catches for 1,402 yards and score 16 touchdowns in his career with the Trojans.
Playing in a stacked USC WR room, Rice still developed chemistry with projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. Rice leaves the Land of Troy having recorded 45 passes for 791 yards and a team-best 12 touchdowns in 2023.
Is Rice Projected To Emerge as a High Draft Pick?
While Williams has received plenty of buzz, the son of the NFL legend has had some quiet hype.
Plus, despite having a famous NFL surname, Rice isn’t considered one of the top wide receivers in this stacked 2024 NFL Draft class.
But that doesn’t mean that Rice isn’t expected to have his phone ring at some point during the 2024 NFL Draft. PFN’s Ian Cummings gave the son of the record-breaking 49er this draft projection.
“Rice grades out as a fringe top-100 prospect on my 2024 NFL Draft board. He’s worth mid-to-late Day 2 capital for a team in need of a vertical threat with multi-phase upside and blocking utility. On early Day 3, he’d be an exceptional value pick,” Cummings wrote.
KEEP READING: 2024 NFL Combine Results — 40-Yard Dash, Bench Press, Vertical, 3-Cone, and More
Rice is in a draft class featuring the son of another NFL legend, Marvin Harrison Jr., the explosive LSU duo of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., and the stellar Washington Huskies trio of Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillian.
But Rice’s length, vertical speed, and of course his bloodline make him an intriguing prospect — and one who already has the attention of a team he grew up around.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
