Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has made a strong impression in his rookie season, finishing with an impressive PFF grade of 84.9. He has demonstrated versatility by evenly distributing his playing time between lining up in the slot and on the outside, as well as on both sides of the field.
In the 2024 NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens, which ended in a 27-20 victory for the Chiefs, Rice lined up in the slot 22 times while also playing 20 snaps on the outside. His effectiveness in the slot was particularly notable, as he amassed 75 of his 103 receiving yards from that position, with four receptions on six targets. During the entire 2023 regular season, Rice recorded 12 receptions from the slot that gained over 15 yards; impressively, he achieved three such receptions in just the season opener.
Rice’s target rate from the slot increased to 37.5% for the opener, a significant jump from his 23.2% in the previous season. His 4.69 receiving yards per route run from the slot, while not entirely sustainable, placed him favorably compared to other performances in the league last season. His ability to gain 18.8 yards per catch further underscores his impact, even with a modest average depth of target at 7.2 yards.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs’ wide receiver lineup could shift due to the anticipated return of Marquise Brown and the addition of first-round pick Xavier Worthy, both of whom typically play on the outside. This situation could lead to increased opportunities for Rice in the slot. If his performance in the opener is any indication, he is poised to excel in the slot role and could establish himself as one of the premier slot receivers in the NFL this season.