As the Denver Broncos gear up for the 2025 season, the excitement is palpable, especially with the buzz surrounding a fresh face at wide receiver. The position was a trouble spot for Denver in 2024, with issues of inconsistency and dropped passes being a thorn in the team’s side. It’s a scenario many teams face when blending youthful potential with the dynamics of an evolving roster, but the Broncos seem to be banking on a change this year.
The focal point of that change could very well be Pat Bryant, the 74th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Illinois. While some draft pundits raised eyebrows over his selection due to his rankings and a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, there’s excitement brewing in Denver for what Bryant brings to the table. His precise route running, sure hands, and knack for delivering in the clutch — evidenced by three game-winning plays last season — have already captured attention in the Broncos’ offseason workouts.
And when head coach Sean Payton, a master of offensive orchestration, speaks, you listen. His comments about Bryant, delivered with a telling smile, are driving the buzz around the Broncos’ camp. “You like what you see. I like what I see,” Payton said, dripping with the kind of optimism that Broncos fans are eager to latch onto. Reports out of minicamp suggest Bryant is making waves, taking full advantage of additional reps in the absence of fellow receiver Devaughn Vele. His connection with quarterback Bo Nix is also a focal point to watch as it develops.
Perhaps the most tantalizing endorsement came when Payton, known for drawing from his vault of NFL experiences, likened aspects of Bryant’s play to none other than Michael Thomas, Payton’s former star with the New Orleans Saints. Although he stopped short of a direct comparison, highlighting similar traits in Bryant’s college tape has piqued interest.
Bryant slots into a Broncos roster that’s amid a youthful surge, particularly on offense. As Payton protects his rookie from premature criticism and labels, it’s evident that he sees big potential in Bryant. With his skill set and the favorable reports coming out of early practices, Bryant seems poised to carve out a significant role in the upcoming season and potentially light a spark for Denver’s offense. Broncos Country, brace yourselves; this might just be the breakout player you’ve been waiting to see.
