Rashee Rice has been the lone bright spot in the Kansas City Chiefs’ receiving corps this season. Despite being a rookie, Rice is the Chiefs’ leader at the wide receiver position in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
While speaking to the media on Thursday, quarterback Patrick Mahomes voiced his confidence in Rice and told reporters that he believes the 23-year-old receiver has an extremely high ceiling.
“He’s still got a lot he can improve on which is crazy to say. He’s had such a great season,” Mahomes said. “The little things that NFL receivers do — he’s got the explosiveness; he knows how to run routes.”
Rice has shown continuous growth throughout the season, and Mahomes made it clear that he feels Rice has taken the next step in his development because of his willingness to learn from veteran players.
“He’s took [a lot] from the veterans [such as] Marquez [Valdes-Scantling], Justin Watson, and Travis [Kelce],” Mahomes explained. “He listens and he learns as much as he can and tries to take that in. I think that’s why he’s gotten better and better as the season’s gone on.”
Through 14 games in his rookie campaign, Rice has caught 68 passes for 754 yards and seven touchdowns. Rice ranks inside the top five in each category among rookie pass catchers.
