Chargers draft Brenden Rice, son of legendary WR

The Los Angeles Chargers selected USC wide receiver Brenden Rice in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 225 overall.

Brenden is the son of legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice. He's the second wideout drafted by the Chargers in 2024 after Ladd McConkey, whom L.A. selected in the second round.

Brenden caught 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns at USC in 2023 to claim a second-team All-Pac-12 berth.

Pre-draft profile

The son of Hall of Famer Jerry, Rice likely won't reach the heights his father did, but he's got NFL ability in his bloodlines. The USC product broke out with 12 touchdowns last season. His bread and butter is his big frame, physicality, and reliable hands, which will make him a red-zone weapon if he sees the field consistently. He also generates more yards after the catch than expected for a receiver of his size and is a tough run-blocker. However, his overall athleticism isn't anything to rave about. Rice's releases can be very gradual as well, which doesn't seem to be the best choice given his lack of twitch. There's work to be done, but Rice's hands, tenacity, and genetics mean he could develop into a contributor at the next level.