The Green Bay Packers have had an interesting off-season thus far. Releasing Aaron Jones and David Bahktiari has hurt the fan base, but signing Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney has helped inspire optimism for the future of the organization.
While there’s still some potential for another decent-size signing, fans have been looking most forward to the draft. That was the case before free agency, and it’s still the case now.
Part of the reason is the youth movement the team is making. It’s technically in a rebuild still, with a young QB and a defensive makeover in the midst, so the draft is very important to watch and study (even if we might not see results immediately).
This draft is especially important for Green Bay because, whether the team wants to draft by need or by BPA, it’s in a position to do both. The WRs, OL, and defensive players in this draft are insanely talented and deep, so the team can see an instant turnaround if that’s what they’re looking for.
The team can sit and wait to draft a receiver or two in the mid-rounds, and there’s one player, in particular, they can try to obtain. That would be USC’s Brenden Rice, who happens to be a direct relative to a certain Hall of Famer.
Who Is Brenden Rice’s Father?
Brenden is the son of 49ers legend Jerry Rice, who many consider to be the true football GOAT. Brady may have played the most important position and garnered 7 rings, but Rice was arguably the most complete player ever.
Brenden was born in 2002. Jerry was still playing in the NFL, believe it or not, as he was a receiver for the Arizona Cardinals (which is the state Brenden was born in).
Brenden grew up in Colorado after Jerry retired, and learned a lot from his perennial All-Pro father. Brenden also played basketball, and there was a time when some people thought he would chase the NBA instead.
Brenden wound up becoming a pass catcher at USC, where he ended up catching balls from (in all likelihood) future Chicago Bear Caleb Williams.
How Did Brenden Rice Do In College, And How Would He Perform In A Green Bay Packers Uniform?
Rice caught 45 receptions, 791 yards, and scored 12 TDs in his college career. Once again, he had one of the best college QBs ever in his backfield so some of his stats benefit from that.
After watching enough tapes, it’s safe to say that Brenden has a very similar play style to his father. That’s not to say he’ll be as good by any means, but he’s an all-around complete receiver.
Just like his father Brenden lacks a bit in speed. During the 80s and 90s that hardly mattered, but in today’s NFL speed and finesse is everything. That’s not to say having a more physical playstyle and build can’t succeed – just look at Puka Nacua.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Brenden is 6’3″ and is 213 pounds. He ran a 4.5 at the combine, so whoever drafts him needs to use him correctly. Ideally, he’ll play in a West Coast system or as a slot receiver.
The Packers tend to draft these types of receivers if they fall to the mid to late rounds, and that’s where Brenden is projected to go.
