As Jerry Rice’s Son Declares for the Draft, Will His Father’s Beloved 49ERS Pick the USC WR?

Jerry Rice is a 49ers legend, and arguably the greatest wide receiver of all time. The wide-receiving wizard won three Super Bowls with the franchise and bamboozled the league with his speed, precision, and raw strength. But does his bloodline carry the same potential?

Rice’s 21-year-old son Brenden is a hot topic in the NCAA. Not only because of his dad but also because of his comparatively bigger size for a WR. The USC Trojans‘ wide receiver recently announced he’ll be joining the NFL 2024 draft. But can he follow in his father’s footsteps with the 49ers?

Could the 49ers draft Brenden Rice?

Jr. Rice has the fourth most receiving touchdowns in the NCAA this season at 12, in the same number of games. The Trojans WR is also physically strong and speedy, two traits his legendary father carried throughout his career. He is also quite big for a WR, even than Jerry Rice at 6’3″ and 208 lbs. Jr. Rice carries a commendable presence down the line, that’s for sure, something the 49ers can count on.

But does he make a good prospect for the team overall? Now, only the owners can answer that question. In his college career, the WR receiver has played for two sides, now at the Trojans and previously at the Buffaloes. He has a total of 21 touchdowns, and 111 receives for 1821 yards to show for himself during that period. But his current season statistics might not sound very impressive to the NFC runner-ups. Rice only boasts 791 yards for 45 carries in the season, which lands him out of the top 50 WRs in the league.

While his touchdowns do make up for it, the volume of receives do matter. Especially for a team that looks for runners to keep with Brock Purdy’s titanium arm.

Jerry Rice be prepared for a surprising draft outcome!

Brenden still carries his father’s DNA, and there’s no denying that. With proper time and training, he definitely has the potential to touch the sky. But as things stand, it’s only potential at this point. Respected NFL analyst Mel Kiler is known for his accurate predictions on draft picks. And to the 49ers legend’s disappointment, Brenden Rice is out of Kiper’s top 10 WR prospects for the upcoming season.

But that’s not the end of the world. And being a 49ers hero, Jerry actually has the best comeback story to tell to his dear son. Guessed it already? Yes, it’s no other than quarterback Brock Purdy, the name Brenden would find by his side if he was to join the 49ers! Purdy was the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’, that is the last draft pick in the 2022 NFL draft. But we don’t even need to mention that didn’t age well. The 23-year-old is the yards/attempt, completion percentage, and passer rating leader this season.

Read More: Brock Purdy’s Stellar Stats Solidify He Could Be NFL’s Next Patrick Mahomes

If luck is by his side, and no other team shows interest in the young wide receiver, a Brock Purdy re happening could be on the line for Brenden! That won’t be the sweetest of the beginnings, but he will still be entering his father’s dynasty in the end. Then we can stop being concerned, as Brock Purdy will take care of the rest!

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