Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Monty Rice (Georgia) - 2021 NFL Draft Pick #92 by TEN


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Monty Rice (Georgia) - 2021 NFL Draft

Player Profile:
  • Name: Monty Rice
  • Position: Linebacker
  • College: University of Georgia
  • Height: 6'1"
  • Weight: 235 lbs
Overview:

Monty Rice was a standout linebacker at the University of Georgia, known for his leadership and playmaking ability on the field. He was a key contributor to a defense that consistently ranked among the best in college football. Rice's experience in the SEC, combined with his physicality and football IQ, made him a desirable prospect for NFL teams.

Strengths:
  • Instincts: Rice has excellent instincts when it comes to reading plays and diagnosing runs, allowing him to react quickly and efficiently.
  • Tackling: He is a solid tackler who wraps up well and consistently brings ball carriers down, showing a strong fundamental approach.
  • Coverage Skills: Rice possesses good coverage skills for a linebacker, making him capable of defending against both tight ends and running backs in the passing game.
  • Leadership: As a captain at Georgia, Rice has shown the ability to lead a defense and communicate effectively with teammates.
Weaknesses:
  • Speed: While he has decent speed, Rice may struggle against faster athletes at the NFL level, particularly in coverage situations.
  • Injury History: Rice had some injury concerns during his time in college, which could raise red flags for NFL teams regarding his long-term durability.
  • Pass Rush Ability: Although he can contribute in pass rush situations, Rice is not known as a dominant pass rusher and may need to develop this aspect of his game further.
Overall Assessment:

Monty Rice was viewed as a mid-round prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, with the potential to become a reliable starting linebacker in the right system. His combination of skills, leadership, and experience in a pro-style defense at Georgia made him an intriguing option for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.

Projected Draft Position:

Mid-round selection (3rd to 5th round)