Jets Draft Target: Jerry Rice's Son?

The New York Jets might consider tapping into a bit of GOAT genealogy by scouting USC receiver Brendan Rice, son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, as a potential NFL Draft target.

With the NFL Scouting Combine less than one week from its commencement, the New York Jets will soon have a contingent of coaches and scouts in Indianapolis watching for potential talent to secure in the upcoming Draft. 

Though the Jets biggest need is considered by many to be along the offensive line, Gang Green would undoubtedly love the opportunity to add a versatile pass catcher to quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ stable of weapons. 

Among those the Jets may consider scouting in the coming days and beyond is USC receiver Brendan Rice — who just happens to be the son of arguably the best football player in NFL history, Jerry Rice. 

Jerry Rice and his son, USC WR Brenden Rice / PHOTO: JERRY RICE INSTAGRAM

After transferring from Colorado, Rice logged 39 catches, 611 yards and four touchdowns in 2022, his debut USC campaign. In 2023, he became a reliable target for quarterback Caleb Williams catching 45 passes for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns. For his efforts, Rice earned a second-team All-Pac-12 nod for the Trojans, who finished the season at 7-5. 

If the Jets are looking to find a receiver capable of running precise routes while also winning his battles downfield, they may find their answer in Rice. He has demonstrated the ability to become an effective X receiver. At nearly 6-3, he is not a pure separator. However, he is adept at using his size to his advantage when making contested catches, especially against undersized defenders along the boundary.

Rodgers Recruiting: Jets Targeting Raiders' Davante Adams?

From a Jets perspective, the desire to enlist Adams’ services is understandable. The team's pass-catchers struggled due to poor quarterback play and ineffective talent management. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked them 31 of 32 NFL teams. The exception to the rule, star receiver Garrett Wilson, caught 95 passes for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns. 

However, the Jets failed to receive notable contributions from the remaining components of their positional depth chart -- most notably Allen Lazard, who despite signing a four-year, $44 million deal with New York last offseason, logged only 23 catches for 311 yards and one touchdown.

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