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.

In the latest Broncos Mailbag, Parker Gabriel addressed fans' queries regarding the recent NFL draft decisions made by the Denver Broncos. The Broncos opted for Jahdae Barron, a cornerback from Texas, with the 20th overall pick, despite speculation they might trade down. General Manager George Paton confirmed the possibility of a trade, with Denver evaluating offers as the clock ticked down. However, they ultimately chose to select Barron, positioning him well within their defense alongside established players like Pat Surtain II.

Fans also raised concerns over other draft picks, particularly running back R.J. Harvey and wide receiver Pat Bryant, questioning whether they could have waited on these selections. Gabriel defended the picks, suggesting that Harvey likely wouldn't have been available later in the draft and indicated that Bryant's selection aligns with their immediate needs for offensive production.

The Denver Broncos have made significant strides in their roster for the upcoming NFL season, notably enhancing their secondary with the selection of Jahdae Barron, a top cornerback from Texas, who will partner with Pro Bowler Pat Surtain II. This combination aims to fortify a defensive unit that is expected to be a cornerstone of Denver's strategy.

In addition to Barron, the Broncos sought offensive contributions by drafting RJ Harvey, a versatile running back from UCF, who is known for his remarkable balance and agility. His previous performance includes an impressive 69 forced missed tackles, marking him as a potential game-changer. Meanwhile, Pat Bryant, a wide receiver from Illinois, is also expected to make an immediate impact, especially as he competes for playing time in a crowded receiver room that includes Courtland Sutton, who is entering a contract year. The Broncos' overall draft has been well-received, with evaluations indicating a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

Pat Bryant, a wide receiver selected in the third round by the Denver Broncos, expressed excitement about teaming up with quarterback Bo Nix. Bryant, who had an impressive college career at Illinois with 54 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, believes that playing with Nix, who had a successful rookie season, will be a special experience.

The two players are expected to bring a dynamic offensive combination to the Broncos, with Nix throwing for 3,775 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Bryant's ability to stretch the field, averaging 18.2 yards per catch, complements Nix's passing ability, potentially making them a formidable duo in the upcoming season. Fans will get to see this pairing in action during the Broncos' preseason games.