When the Denver Broncos took Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, it was a pick widely criticized by pundits. Many analysts thought it was several rounds too high. Moreover, a lot of fans across Broncos Country were hoping for the franchise to address other needs earlier.
But the Broncos didn’t care. They got their guy—a player they believed was a perfect fit for their scheme. Not only that but Bryant’s size and traits lined up with what Head Coach Sean Payton
covets at the position. For them, all those made him a no-brain decision when they were on the clock.
Appearing in fifteen games with seven starts as a rookie, Bryant reeled in 31 receptions for 378 yards and 1 touchdown. He worked well operating over the middle of the field and came down with a lot of tough, contested catches. Moreover, he was one of the Broncos’ clutch performers when it came to moving the chains.
Additionally, he was a fixture in Denver’s 11 personnel groupings. His prowess as a run blocker was a significant reason for Denver’s early season rushing success with J.K. Dobbins. Yesterday after practice, Payton was asked if he was surprised with the second-year wide receiver’s camp performance to date.
“No. I’m excited, I’m happy because you kind of saw the beginning of it last year, but like any young player, maybe you didn’t see it as consistently as you’re seeing now. He’s a confident player with strong hands. That ability to be on the ground and not alter your feet or your foot path, I think really serves him well,” stated Payton.
Bryant was the tenth wide receiver selected in his class. However, the former Illini standout outperformed a handful of players selected before him including first-round pick Matthew Golden and second-round wide receiver Tre Harris. Overall, he ranked seventh in receptions and receiving yards. A promising start to his career especially in a Broncos’ wide receiver room that saw a lot of rotation.
This season, he is looking to increase his target share in a crowded wide receiver room that now features Jaylen Waddle. On the team’s initial depth chart, he is listed as a second-team player backing up longtime veteran Courtland Sutton at the ‘X’ position. Nevertheless, Bryant figures to get a lot of run this season. Appearing on the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams, Payton noted it will be hard to keep him off the field.
Since being drafted, Payton and the rest of the coaching staff and players, have watched Bryant’s growth first-hand. Flashing in camp on a daily basis, Payton believes the vision they had when they made him the 74th overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is coming into focus.
“We felt size, strong hands. He had three or four last play of the game, like fourth-and-whatever, and he catches an in-cut, and then scores and the game’s over. He had three or four of those unique, we call it walk-off touchdowns. But again, you’re projecting what you think. Then it’s certainly fun when all of a sudden you start to see that,” added Payton.
