The Kansas City Chiefs sent only one prospect to this year’s NFLPA Rookie Premiere: second-round wide receiver Rashee Rice.
Following the completion of the annual NFL Draft and the subsequent round of frenzied signings for those prospects who went unselected, the NFL Player’s Association holds a special weekend, called the Rookie Premiere, for a few dozen rookies in the hopes of helping them develop a stronger business sense and introducing them to contacts.
Each year, these rookies not only are introduced to potential endorsements and taught about leveraging their player profile for greater earnings potential, but they also partner with Panini for a lengthy photo shoot that will yield first looks for fans who want to see exciting new rookies in their team uniforms.
For a fan base like Chiefs Kingdom, it means seeing second-round pick Rashee Rice in red and gold for the first time.
From the NFL’s rookie premiere: Rashee Rice in a #Chiefs uniform pic.twitter.com/KRZrI91VFG
— Aaron Ladd (@aaronladdtv) May 20, 2023
Rice was the Chiefs’ lone entrant at the Rookie Premiere, which is typically reserved for prospects on the offensive side of the ball—and the skill positions at that. Even elite offensive linemen are left out, and it’s telling that the Chief’s first-round pick—pass rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah—was not involved or invited.
The Chiefs traded up to grab Rice in the second round in a deal to secure their only addition to the WR room this offseason, other than the free agent signing of former Giants returner Richie James. Rice had 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns last season for the SMU Mustangs.
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