8 early 2023 Senior Bowl week standouts for the Panthers radar
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers should monitor Rashee Rice
- Wide Receiver | Southern Methodist Mustangs
Things should progress on offense under the guidance of Frank Reich. The head coach has a strong offensive background, is a former quarterback, and knows how best to maximize the weapons at his disposal.
With that being said, the Carolina Panthers could use some additional dynamic playmakers to ensure Reich’s scheme hits the ground running. Considering how expensive wide receivers are in free agency, finding one via the 2023 NFL Draft represents a cheaper option long term.
Although this isn’t the deepest wideout class in recent memory, the Panthers have plenty of options. One prospect who reportedly caught the eye more than most over the first two Senior Bowl practices was Rashee Rice, the former SMU star that boasts some enticing athletic traits that have caught the eye of NFL scouts.
Rice came to the fore in 2022 with the Mustangs en route to 96 receptions for 1,355 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His short-area explosiveness is hard to stop and this is matched by outstanding playmaking abilities after the catch to further enhance the player’s influence.
While Rice wouldn’t be classed as the quickest, there could be a slot role for the player immediately. Something the Panthers lacked consistently last season.