Pat Bryant just finished off an elite season for Illinois, earning him All-Big 10 honors for the first time in his career. Here is a 2025 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report and film analysis on him.
Overview, Film Analysis, and Early 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report of Illinois WR Pat Bryant
Measurables:
- 6’3”
- 200 lbs
Player Background:
Barely ranked within the top-150 receiver recruits in the 2021 class, Pat Bryant committed to Illinois as a three-star prospect. The Florida native made his first career start against Purdue and saw some quick action as a freshman. In limited time, he snagged six passes for just under 100 yards. His insertion into the offense expanded the following season, starting 11 games and playing in 12.
Bryant caught 34 passes, picked up 453 yards, and reached the endzone twice in said games. He became a big producer once again the following season, recording a reception in every game he played in. His season totals ended as 43 catches, 560 receiving yards, and seven scores. His best season was also his last, racking up 984 yards and 10 touchdowns on 54 snags in 2024.
Accolades:
- First Team All-Big 10 (2024)
Strengths/Pros:
Bryant is a fantastic jump ball receiver who uses his size well to reel in catches away from his frame. His hands really flash when extending outward, especially when high-pointing passes. He snaps his hips with a level of savviness that holds some smoothness when working downfield. He takes advantage of defensive backs’ leverage well on outside cuts, holding forward momentum until very late in the route when he attacks the ball.
His understanding of positioning creates initial space easily, making him available for some short-game outlet passes. Bryant is a very forward-looking player, always trying to maximize his total yardage. He seems extremely comfortable working to the sideline with solid awareness and body control to secure catches and keep going downfield. He’s shifty after the catch with long strides and is willing to engage in contact as a ball carrier and blocker.
Weaknesses/Cons:
There are some concerns with his vertical successes at the next level because of a less-than-top-end speed. Bryant also gets off the line a bit slower than most deep-threat receivers, bringing some downfield separation issues. He telegraphs his routes at all levels too often, bringing little deception to his cuts. There’s way too much variation between his shorter routes and vertical flys, adding to his predictability issues.
Bryant’s slimmer frame does cause some struggles against physical coverages in the middle of his routes. He needs to utilize his hands much more frequently and effectively on his cuts and often leaves them in vulnerable positions. His hips and feet are too slow on comeback routes, not having enough whip to create space. He has to find the quarterback quicker when he opens up into space, missing some easy pitch-and-catch opportunities.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Bryant is your natural lanky, big-body receiver who can win on the outside and over the top against NFL defensive backs. He’s not going to consistently dominate but has enough tools to be a solid Day 3 pick and decent contributor. His route running and general inside-working skill set leaves a lot to be desired but he has the flashes to work as a supplementary option. He’ll likely be the most effective in smaller, momentum-changing doses as a “go ball” or sideline-dominant threat.
Prospect Grade:
- Mid 4th Round
Film Exposures:
- 2024 vs. Nebraska
- 2024 vs. Michigan
- 2024 vs. Penn State
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
