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Chiefs draft grades for every pick in the 2023 NFL Draft: Rashee Rice splits opinions

By Alicia de Artola

Dec 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) in action during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Kansas State Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) in action during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Kansas State Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rashee Rice, Chiefs draft grades
Chiefs draft pick Rashee Rice. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports) /

Chiefs draft grades: SMU WR Rashee Rice

Round 2, Pick 55

Rashee Rice had the approval of Patrick Mahomes after throwing with him in Texas before the draft. That was enough reason for the Chiefs to use their second round selection on the SMU receiver.

Then again, Skyy Moore had Mahomes’ approval last year at pick No. 54 and Moore wasn’t exactly an impact rookie.

Rice had 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns for SMU in 2022. He also turned heads at the NFL Combine with strong route running and elusivity.

But he ranked 123rd overall on Daniel Jeremiah’s Big Board while ESPN rated him 16th among receivers. The Chiefs made him the seventh wide receiver off the board. Was there really that much urgency to spend a second-round pick on him?

All’s well that ends well and Rice may end up being a star for the Chiefs, but taking him at No. 55 is honestly a headscratcher when other positions of need could have been addressed and the likelihood of him still being available further down seemed high.

Grade: C

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