Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice has made a strong impression in the early stages of the 2024 NFL season. In the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, where the Chiefs secured a 27-20 victory, Rice demonstrated his skills significantly, posting a Performance Football Focus (PFF) grade of 84.9, indicating his potential as a top young receiver.
Throughout the game, Rice showcased his versatility by lining up in various positions, spending 22 snaps in the slot and 20 outside. Notably, his effectiveness in the slot was clear, as 75 of his 103 receiving yards came from that position. He achieved four receptions from six targets in the slot, and he notably had three receptions that exceeded 15 yards, which is impressive given that he only recorded 12 such receptions in the entire 2023 season.
Rice’s slot success continues to be evident, with a significant increase in his target rate when aligned inside—targeted on 37.5% of his slot snaps compared to a much lower 23.2% last year. His average of 4.69 receiving yards per route run from the slot positions him favorably among his peers from last season, and his ability to gain yards after the catch has become a key aspect of his game.
As the season progresses, Rice may see increased playing time in the slot due to the arrivals of first-round pick Xavier Worthy and the return of injured wide receiver Marquise Brown, both of whom have primarily played outside. Given his performance in the opener, it is anticipated that Rice can elevate his game even further and establish himself as one of the premier slot receivers in the league.