3 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Georgia vs Arkansas
player. 814. Scouting Report. 6-foot-1. Monty Rice. LB. Pick Analysis. 235 pounds
It’s no surprise that Georgia had one of the best defenses in all of college football in each season under Kirby Smart. It’s also no surprise that many of his former defensive players now play in the NFL. Monty Rice is the next in the line of Bulldog defenders that will be high picks and immediate contributors in the NFL.
Rice is a great leader and tackling machine in the middle of the Georgia defense. Rice possesses good speed and athleticism to be able to easily play sideline to sideline. He also shows incredible closing speed to the ball carrier to secure the tackle. Rice is also solid in coverage with the athleticism to stay with tight ends and running backs in man coverage and good awareness in Zone Coverage. The biggest thing holding back his NFL potential is his lack of height and length at a position where that has become more important at the next level.
Next. 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: West Virginia vs Oklahoma State. dark
Like most of Georgia upperclassmen that returned for the 2020 season, Rice is probably more worried about great team success rather than his individual success. That being said, if Georgia wants to be considered a true National Championship contender, Monty Rice will have to produce at a high level. While his lack of length will always limit his NFL potential, he can push his name into Day Two consideration with a big year in the middle of the Georgia defense.