The Denver Broncos entered the NFL draft with a clear intention to bolster their offense around quarterback Bo Nix. Although they surprised many by selecting a defender in the first round, they later focused on offensive playmakers with multiple picks. Their choice of Pat Bryant in the third round, however, has raised eyebrows. Analysts, including Damian Parson from Bleacher Report, suggest that this pick was a reach. They argue Bryant's lack of speed and separation skills could limit his impact on the field, especially in an offense already populated with tall, contested-catch receivers. Other faster options were available, which could have diversified the receiving corps.

Bryant, who showcased solid production at Illinois, particularly in his senior year, is noted for his strong hands and ability to make contested catches. His potential development under a coach like Sean Payton is promising, but doubts linger about his readiness for a faster-paced NFL game. The Broncos' existing roster appears to lean heavily towards jump-ball specialists rather than dynamic playmakers, which raises the question of whether they missed an opportunity to enhance their offensive threat by opting for speed and downfield ability instead.

The Denver Broncos are making strides to reclaim their spot in Super Bowl contention after a busy offseason. They recently secured five promising players from their 2025 NFL Draft class, including standout wide receiver Pay Bryant, who had an impressive final year at Illinois, totaling 984 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The Broncos also solidified their defense with outside linebacker Que Robinson and defensive end Sai’Vion Jones, who had significant production at Alabama and LSU, respectively. Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw adds experience, while tight end Caleb Lohner, a former college basketball talent, could emerge as a wildcard option for the offense.

The Denver Broncos made a strategic move in their 2025 draft, emphasizing leadership and character by selecting multiple former college team captains. Among their top picks, cornerback Jahdae Barron, running back RJ Harvey, and wide receiver Pat Bryant all held captaincy roles in college, reflecting a trend in the Broncos' approach to scouting for high-character players. The strategy, as explained by head coach Sean Payton, focuses not solely on talent but also on the mental makeup and football IQ of prospects, aiming to build a locker room that thrives on competition and intelligence.

Last season, rookie quarterback Bo Nix stood out as the team's first rookie captain since 1967, showcasing the Broncos' commitment to fostering leadership within their ranks. With veteran captains returning, the likelihood of another rookie captain this year may be slim, but the Broncos' latest draft class is poised to cultivate future leaders. The emphasis on selecting candidates who possess a winning mentality could set the foundation for a competitive team moving forward.

The Denver Broncos have made a notable addition to their receiving corps by selecting Pat Bryant with a third-round draft pick, despite concerns about his speed, as he clocked in at 4.61 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Bryant, who stands at 6'2" and weighs 204 pounds, showcased impressive traits in college, including only one drop on 78 targets, making him a reliable option for quarterback play.

Head Coach Sean Payton is particularly enamored with Bryant's mentality, emphasizing physicality and blocking. Bryant's approach resonates well with Payton's philosophy, leading to comparisons with star receiver Michael Thomas.

With high expectations set for Bryant as he transitions to the NFL, his focus remains clear: contribute to the Broncos' success. The team is optimistic that with proper development and improved quarterback performance, they can unlock the full potential of their promising rookie.

Pat Bryant's impressive collegiate career at Illinois culminated in a record-breaking season, boasting the highest receiving grade among Illinois receivers tracked by PFF. Drafted 74th overall by the Denver Broncos, he enters a highly competitive wide receiver room, contending with established talents like Courtland Sutton and emerging players like Marvin Mims.

While his physical attributes and performance suggest he could thrive as an X receiver, he may initially serve as a backup. His potential to excel, especially in a Sean Payton offense known for leveraging multiple receivers, keeps his fantasy prospects alive. If Bryant surpasses Sutton on the depth chart, he could become a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.