Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: Wheeling and dealing in full effect
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. player. SMU. Rashee Rice. 35. 884
Chicago Bears pick Rashee Rice, WR, SMU
Quarterback Justin Fields needs weapons to throw at in order to succeed. He had a great season running the ball but he had trouble trusting his receivers to make plays. The subpar receivers had trouble creating separation and making catches in key situations.
Rice is quick-footed and twitchy. He does a great job of getting open right away. That helps Fields when he needs to find a receiver quickly.
Rice has elite athleticism. That helps him in different phases but becomes especially valuable after the catch. Once he makes the catch, he can be deadly getting more yards. He does a great job of jump-cutting after the catch, making defenders miss. Once that happens, he uses his ability to accelerate quickly and make a big play.
Rice has some fantastic catching instincts. He does a great job of contorting his body to make incredible catches. When Fields throws to him he can be sure that Rice will more than likely make the catch, even if it isn’t a perfectly thrown pass. In that vein, he reminds people of another Chicago Bears second-round draft pick, Alshon Jeffery.
Rice will make a number of circus catches and will turn a lot of short passes into big plays. He’ll become a fan favorite (not to mention a Fields favorite) quickly.