University of Georgia May Have Another Elite Linebacker Prospect in Monty Rice.
Over recent years, the University of Georgia has produced a couple of linebackers that have been selected in the first round of the NFL draft, Leonard Floyd and Roquan Smith, both players are key pieces in the Chicago Bears’ defense. The Bulldogs have an eligible linebacker that has the skills to be a day one starter in the NFL, Monty Rice.
Listed at 6-1 235lbs, Rice plays with a high level of intelligence and has an elite ability to finish tackles even in open space. However, unlike Roquan Smith, Rice does not boast elite speed for the position, which could hurt his draft stock.
There are a few snaps that highlight Rice’s traits well from the game against the University of Florida last season.
Watch as Rice quickly reads the screen and takes an angle on the ball that allows him to assist in a tackle that should have been made behind the line of scrimmage by fellow linebacker Natrez Patrick.
The ability to quickly diagnose plays and find the ball is a trait that linebackers, at the next level, need in order to succeed. There are many other examples of Rice’s ability to quickly assess the field and make plays on the ball.
Watch at Rice sees the runner, while engaged by a blocker, sheds the block just as the ball carrier passes and is able to wrap up the runner and punch the ball loose. Not only does this play show Rice’s ability to locate the ball in traffic, it also displays his ability to shed blocks at ideal times to make plays before being picked up by another blocker. It is very important to note that the blocker engaged with Rice (#65) was a top tackle prospect in the 2019 draft, Jawaan Taylor.
Another heads up play from Monty Rice. Immediately takes the screen away as a viable option on this third down play. Although the play resulted in a first down, Rice not only took away the easy throw for the quarterback he also, by not playing too aggressive in man coverage, took away the running lane for the quarterback to scramble for the first down. Rice nearly got a hand on the ball that would have shut the play down entirely, however, Natrez Patrick allowed the reception in a minimal effort play.
Although Rice misses the tackle, a rare occurrence for him, Rice’s ability to quickly diagnose the read option play is evident. There was no hesitation and the option play did not fool Rice. His lack of explosion is evident here, however.
The last play that I want to highlight is this amazing play made by Rice that displays all of his strengths in a single play. Watch as Rice quickly identifies the fake draw play and pursues the ball. Rice quickly sheds a block that should have taken him out of the play completely, and is able to make the strong tackle to save a first down.
Monty Rice is an interesting prospect given his ability to diagnose plays quickly, shed blocks, and tackle well. He plays with a hot motor that will not give up on plays, even when it seems that he is in a position that cannot make a play on the ball. Rice may have a shot to be a starter week 1 for the team that drafts him, knowing he will not be taken out of plays due to a lack of mental discipline. Although his speed is a concern, I believe that Rice will be able make a place for himself at the next level, due to his superb vision and mental acuity.
