Titans' Monty Rice trying to acclimate to NFL: 'Everything is super detailed'

Tennessee Titans 2021 third-round pick and linebacker, Monty Rice, has been mostly quiet in training camp thus far, but he did stand out during Wednesday’s practice.

According to Jim Wyatt of Titans Online, Rice “showed up with several run stops, and he made a nice play in coverage as well. Later in practice, Rice even put some pressure on Kizer on a rush.”

Following the session, Rice said two things he is getting used to early on is the speed and play-calling in the NFL, per Wyatt.

“The speed, the different play-calling, how we fit different runs here, and how they defend the pass here is completely different,” Rice explained. “I’ve noticed being here, everything is super detailed. On point, if he says get two kick slides, you better get two kick slides or you’ll get the punt blocked or whatever. So, just got to be real detailed in your work.”

Rice’s spot on the roster is locked-in and he figures to serve as a depth option behind Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans and David Long in his first season. The 22-year-old says he’s ready to help the team in any way he can and is trying to be an asset on special teams as well.

“I’m learning and just trying to be a good guy on special teams and help the team in any way I can.”

The Titans started wearing pads at practice this week, which Rice noted is an important step in the evaluation process ahead of the season.

“Football isn’t real until you put pads on. All that other stuff we were doing before that, that’s just helping you get comfortable and learn. You see the true person when the pads come on.”

Rice calls playing in the NFL a “dream come true” and is hoping to make the best of his opportunity so he can stay in the league a long time.

“It’s crazy. It just goes to show you if you put in work over time. I’ve been doing this since I was nine years old, dream come true. And now that you’re here you’ve got to make the best of the opportunity so you can stay here.”

6⃣0⃣ seconds with LB Monty Rice (@RiceMonty) of @GeorgiaFootball on Wednesday at @Titans camp.

WATCH pic.twitter.com/pyY01SYXoq

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 4, 2021