The Denver Broncos are wasting no time building for the future, and their latest move has fans buzzing. On May 8, 2025, the team agreed to terms with third-round pick Pat Bryant on a four-year rookie contract worth approximately $6.58 million, including a $1.426 million signing bonus, as announced on X by ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Broncos have signed third-round pick, WR Pat Bryant, to a four-year, $6.581 million deal, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Shawn O’Dare.” With the ink drying ahead of rookie minicamp, Bryant’s arrival signals a bold step forward for a Broncos receiving corps hungry for reliability and physicality. Here’s why the Illinois standout is poised to make an immediate impact in Denver.
Pat Bryant’s Stellar College Resume
Selected 74th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pat Bryant brings a proven track record from his time at Illinois. In his senior season (2024), he led the Fighting Illini with 54 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, tying the program’s single-season touchdown record. His 18.2 yards per catch and just one drop on 78 targets showcased his sure hands and big-play ability. Over his four-year college career, Bryant amassed 137 receptions for 2,095 yards and 19 touchdowns across 46 games, starting 35. He earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024, ranking second in the conference in receiving yards and tying for the lead in touchdown catches.
Bryant’s clutch performances stood out, with three game-winning touchdowns in the final two minutes or overtime, including a dramatic 40-yard score against Rutgers with seconds remaining. At 6’2” and 204 pounds, with a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, Bryant may not be a burner, but his physicality, route-running savvy, and contested-catch prowess (69.2% success rate, 10th among 156 qualifiers) make him a nightmare for defenders. “My main focus is when the ball’s in the air, it’s mine,” Bryant said, a mindset that aligns perfectly with Denver’s needs.
A Crowded but Opportunity-Rich WR Room
The Broncos’ receiving corps is stacked but fluid, offering Bryant a chance to carve out a significant role. Courtland Sutton, the unquestioned WR1, led the team in 2024 with 81 catches for 1,081 yards and 8 touchdowns. Beyond him, the depth chart is a battleground. Devaughn Vele, a 2024 rookie, impressed in the slot, while Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin bring speed but inconsistent production. Trent Sherfield, signed for special teams, and practice squad holdovers Michael Bandy and A.T. Perry round out the group.
Bryant’s skill set fills gaps Denver has lacked. His elite reliability—only one drop in 2024—and strong run-blocking ability make him a natural fit for head coach Sean Payton’s system, which values physical, versatile receivers. Payton compared Bryant to former Saints star Michael Thomas, praising his line-of-scrimmage traits and competitive edge. “He’s just frickin’ clutch,” said Bryant’s college coach Justin Stepp, noting similarities to Sutton’s quiet confidence. With Sutton entering the final year of his contract at age 30, Bryant could emerge as a long-term complement or successor.
How Bryant Elevates the Offense
Bryant’s addition addresses three key needs for Denver’s passing attack:
- Sure-Handed Reliability: Every Broncos receiver in 2024 had drop issues, but Bryant’s one drop on 78 targets is a game-changer. His 77.8% of catches resulting in a first down or touchdown underscores his efficiency. For quarterback Bo Nix, who thrived with precise targets as a rookie, Bryant’s dependable hands will be a security blanket.
- Physicality and Blocking: Bryant’s willingness to mix it up in the run game sets him apart. His plus-level run-blocking grade, per scouting reports, fills the role previously held by Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who played 50% of snaps in 2024 despite limited receiving impact. Bryant’s ability to seal edges will boost Denver’s ground game, led by second-round pick RJ Harvey.
- Clutch Playmaking: Bryant’s knack for delivering in high-pressure moments—three game-winners in 2024—adds a dimension Denver lacked. His 44% dominator rating (90th percentile) and ability to win contested catches make him a red-zone threat and a go-to option on critical downs.
While Bryant’s 4.61-second 40 time raises concerns about top-end speed, his tape shows he plays faster, using nuanced route-running and leverage to create separation. Payton’s history of maximizing technicians like Michael Thomas and Cooper Kupp (who also ran a 4.6-second 40) suggests Bryant’s limitations can be schemed around. His versatility to play X, Z, or slot roles further enhances his fit.
The Road Ahead
Bryant enters a competitive WR room, but his path to snaps is clear. He could challenge Vele for the No. 2 outside role or overtake Sherfield for early-down duties, given his superior receiving skills. If he outshines Franklin or Mims in camp, a rotational role with WR2 upside is within reach. “They know what I can do,” Bryant said post-draft. “My focus is to get to Denver, do my job, and help the team win.” His four-year deal, finalized before rookie minicamp (May 8-10, 2025), ensures he’s locked in to compete.
For fantasy football fans, Bryant is a late-round flyer with WR2 potential if he secures a starting spot opposite Sutton. His 7.08 Relative Athletic Score and comparisons to Kupp hint at a higher ceiling than his draft slot suggests. Posts on X reflect the hype, with
@DynastyDadFF calling him a “perfect weapon” for Nix and
@DailyBroncos touting his elite PFF grades.
Why Broncos Country Should Be Hyped
Pat Bryant’s signing is more than a formality—it’s a declaration that Denver’s offense is evolving. With Sutton as the anchor, Mims and Franklin as deep threats, and Bryant as the physical, reliable chain-mover, the Broncos’ passing game has the balance to complement Nix’s growth. Payton’s vision is clear: build a versatile, tough WR corps that wins in the trenches and delivers in crunch time.
As Bryant steps onto the field for minicamp, Broncos Country has reason to dream big. The kid from Jacksonville, who tied an Illinois record and outmuscled Big Ten secondaries, is ready to bring his clutch gene to the Mile High City. Get ready for toe-drag sideline grabs, bone-crunching blocks, and maybe a few game-winners—Pat Bryant is here to make waves.
