The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2023 offseason period with a need at the wide receiver position.
This need increased when JuJu Smith-Schuster departed for the New England Patriots, leaving yet another hole in the offense.
During the draft, the Chiefs traded up in the second round, drafting receiving prospect Rashee Rice of SMU.
Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ GM, said that Rice is “almost like a running back after the catch.”
Chiefs GM Brett Veach thinks rookie WR Rashee Rice can help fill JuJu Smith-Schuster role pic.twitter.com/5KTsyZrXrb
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 2, 2023
Rice’s pre-draft measurables made him stand out among the class, especially his performance at the NFL Combine.
During the NFL Combine, Rice measured in at 6-foot-1 and 204 pounds.
Rice also tied for the highest vertical jump among all receivers at 41 inches.
Being on the same roster as superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes doesn’t hurt, as Rice will enter his rookie campaign with high hopes.
It appears that Veach is excited to get Rice on the roster, especially seeing that he traded up for Rice in the draft.
Rice joins a receiver room alongside incumbent players like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore.
This is a relatively young room, and Rice could make an immediate impact on the roster.
That especially holds true if he and Mahomes develop an early rapport.
All-Pro TE Travis Kelce will remain the top target in the Chiefs’ offense, but there could be plenty of room for Rice to earn a significant role.
As the Chiefs look to grow and develop in an ever-evolving AFC, Rice could be one of the missing pieces they are looking for.
Will they be able to make it back to the Super Bowl in 2023?
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Chiefs GM Comments On Chris Jones Extension Talks
