Build or Destroy: WR Sidney Rice

If there has ever been a mutant in the form of a wide receiver, it is Sidney Rice. Rice, the career receiving leader in South Carolina Gamecocks history has his eyes set on the NFL Draft and those in the shadows are watching. Rice is 6-4, 202 lbs. and has drawn comparisons to Javon Walker. He has played in the shadows of Calvin Johnson and Dwayne Jarrett. Even though he has not received the media awareness that the other guys have received, NFL scouts have had their eyes on Rice since he was recruited into South Carolina.

The pros seem to be endless for Rice. He has great hands, goes to the ball, and isn't afraid to take a hit across the middle or down the field. Rice has never had a case of the "drops" nor has he had any controversial character issues. He has drawn comparisons to Walker with his play, as I stated previously, but has also reminded people of Marvin Harrison when it comes to his humbleness for the game of football. He is a student of the game with a desire to work hard. Rice runs routes well and is a decent blocker. Did I mention that he has no major injury history?

The major question surrounding Sidney Rice is his speed. He is suspected of running a 4.5+ forty. The NFL combine might hurt him but naysayers even questioned Anquan Boldin's speed. Another question mark is his dedication. I see nothing wrong with it though. He always lit a fire under the average offensive minds that run the Gamecock offense. Also, I have never read anything that would say he took a play off either.

Sidney Rice is eyeing a mid to late first round selection in the NFL Draft. If his timed speed is considerably worse than previously thought, he might slide to the beginning of the second round, even though we all know that team's will not pass up a player like Rice. He will have an immediate impact wherever he lands. I can see him complimenting Lee Evans in Buffalo or Steve Smith in Carolina. It just depends on value based needs. Sidney Rice also has ties to new Falcons' head coach Bobby Petrino from the recruiting trails.

Sidney Rice is a mid to late first round rookie draft selection. Rice is one of those guys that comes along every once in a while. He will lead a productive and consistent NFL career. Like Johnson and Jarrett, Rice will have an immediate impact on whichever team drafts him.