The New Orleans Saints Have Claimed a Former 3rd-Round Pick Off Waivers.

The Tennessee Titans drafted Monty Rice in the 3rd Round, 92nd overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia and was the 9th linebacker selected in the draft.

Rice entered his rookie season as the fourth-string inside linebacker. Injuries to his position allowed Rice to get playing time. Rice appeared in ten games and made four starts, recording 36 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection, representing 27% of defensive snaps. 

Rice suffered an ankle injury in Week 12 and was placed on season-ending injured reserve.

Rice missed the first four games of his second season.

Rice was on the PUP List and missed the first four games of his second season to recover from the injury from last year. Tennessee activated him off the PUP List on October 8. Rice appeared in the last 13 games and made six starts, recording 66 tackles, four for a loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection, representing 41% of defensive snaps.

Rice competed for the last starting linebacker spot.

Rice competed with Jack Gibbens for the starting spot in his third season. They battled throughout training camp and preseason until Gibbens was named the starter.

Rice has played in every game this season but in a limited fashion. He has 26 tackles, one for a loss, and one quarterback hit, representing 11% of defensive snaps.

Tennessee released him on Tuesday.

Why does claiming Rice matter to New Orleans?

The Saints claiming Rice matters because he brings depth to the linebacker position. Depth matters to a defense because when a starter gets injured, you can count on your backup. After all, Rice has started in ten games in his young career.

Another reason why claiming Rice matters is because Pete Werner missed last week’s contest with an oblique injury. Werner was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, and it’s unclear whether he’ll play against the Carolina Panthers. If Werner can’t play, expect Nephi Sewell to be the starter in Werner’s absence. There’s a good chance Rice doesn’t suit up because he needs time to understand the defensive scheme.

Another reason why claiming Rice matters is because he’s young and inexperienced. Rice hasn’t started in many games in his two-and-a-half years in the NFL. Since he’s inexperienced, you cannot write him off. He needs to be coached up and given an opportunity to get significant playing time.

Will Monty Rice take the opportunity that he’s been given and strive to get better?