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🏈 Pat Bryant Joins Denver Broncos: What to Expect from the Illinois Star
Pat Bryant, a highly-regarded wide receiver from the University of Illinois, has officially been drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 74th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Known for his on-field toughness, contested catches, and blocking ability, Bryant brings a gritty, no-nonsense attitude to the Broncos’ offensive lineup — a style that fits seamlessly into Coach Sean Payton’s system.
📊 A Look at Bryant’s College Career and NFL Readiness
In his final college season, Bryant caught the eye of NFL scouts by tallying 984 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, showing he’s more than capable of making big plays when it counts.
What truly set him apart was not just production, but the consistency and football IQ he demonstrated — especially in high-pressure moments. His invite to the Senior Bowl only reinforced that he could compete with the nation’s top talents and hold his ground.
⏱️ Pat Bryant's 40-Yard Dash Time: What It Means
At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Bryant recorded a 4.61-second 40-yard dash. While that doesn’t place him in the elite speed category, Bryant has never depended on straight-line speed to win matchups.
Instead, his game relies on:
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Sharp route-running
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Body positioning
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Strong hands
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Separation through footwork
These traits make him ideal for short and mid-range routes, especially in high-leverage downs where dependability is key.
🔍 Scouting Breakdown: Strengths & Development Areas
💪 Strengths:
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Elite ball tracking: Exceptional awareness and timing in contested catch situations.
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Physicality: A true asset in run-blocking and press coverage situations.
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Versatility: Can line up inside or outside, giving coaches options.
⚠️ Areas for Growth:
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Top-end speed: Not a burner; may struggle against elite cornerbacks in vertical routes.
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Route tree depth: Needs to add complexity to his routes to stay unpredictable in pro systems.
🔮 What His Role Might Look Like with the Broncos
With the Broncos in a transitional phase at quarterback and receiver, Pat Bryant’s immediate value may come as a reliable possession receiver, especially on third downs and red-zone plays.
Expect him to be a key chain-mover, while he grows into a more polished and complete NFL wideout over the next 1-2 seasons.
Bryant's gritty style, combined with his willingness to block and do the dirty work, could earn him early snaps — even in a crowded depth chart.
