Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid likes what he’s seen from second-round draft pick, SMU WR Rashee Rice, during the team’s three-day rookie minicamp.
Speaking to media members after the conclusion of camp, Reid was asked about what he learned about Rice. Reid indicated that the coaching staff saw a lot of the same things that Rice put on tape at SMU, but there was one area where he wants to see some improvement.
“Strong, the kind of the things we saw on tape,” Reid said. “He’s got to make sure he gets his running in. That position, we run like crazy. He’s got to get that part taken care of, but you could see the strength in his route running, his ability to work in space. He’s got good hands.”
Reid seems to indicate that Rice needs to work on his conditioning a bit. Reporters in attendance noted that Rice was winded at times during practice. The Chiefs receivers do run a lot during camps, especially these early “passing camps” where there isn’t much you can do as the pads have yet to come on.
Over the past three days, the team dealt with heat in the mid-80s to low-90s, so that could have something to do with it. He is used to the Texas heat, though. There’s plenty of time for Rice to get his conditioning right, but this is a bit concerning given the weather and running that he’ll soon face at St. Joseph for training camp.
Outside of that one issue, Reid seemed pleased with the rookie, complimenting his route running, his strength, his hands and his ability to work in space. Rice should have no problem carving out a role on offense, so long as he can continue to improve his conditioning and display those specific qualities that Reid praised during his earliest practices with the team.
