Meet Pat Bryant, Broncos' WR draft pick who can be Bo Nix's new Courtland Sutton
Pat Bryant, a promising wide receiver from the University of Illinois, was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, boasting a strong combination of pedigree and performance. At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Bryant impressed with his college stats, achieving 136 catches, 19 touchdowns, and 95 first downs, while maintaining a notable catch rate with only one drop in 2024. He joins the Broncos alongside second-year quarterback Bo Nix, potentially becoming a crucial player for the team. Bryant is poised to initially serve as a backup to established receiver Courtland Sutton and could potentially replace Sutton in the future. The Broncos wide receiver lineup also includes Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, and Trent Sherfield, offering Bryant a competitive environment to prove his skills.
Pat Bryant is a 22-year-old wide receiver drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, known for his impressive mix of pedigree and production from the University of Illinois.
With a height of 6-foot-2 and weighing 204 pounds, Bryant showcased his athleticism by running a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
During his college career at Illinois, Bryant made 136 catches, with 19 resulting in touchdowns and 95 resulting in first downs, demonstrating his reliability as a receiver.
In the 2024 season, Bryant's performance was particularly noteworthy, converting 52 out of 54 catches into either touchdowns or first downs, and he only dropped one of 78 targets.
Bryant joins a Broncos receiving corps that includes Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, and Trent Sherfield, where he is expected to compete for a significant role.
He is expected to be Sutton's direct backup in his first year, with the potential to eventually replace Sutton as a primary target for quarterback Bo Nix.
Bryant's addition to the team is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the Broncos' offense, providing Nix with a versatile and skilled receiving option.
The Broncos picked a fantastic wide receiver in the third round of the NFL Draft.
Pat Bryant, out of Illinois, comes to Denver with a fantastic mix of pedigree and production.
Joining second-year QB Bo Nix, Bryant has a chance to be a real key piece in the years to come a mile above sea level.
Here's what you need to know:
Who is Pat Bryant?
Pat Bryant is a 22-year old wide receiver out of the University of Illinois.
He measures at 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds.
At the NFL Combine, Bryant ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash.
The Broncos chose him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Pat Bryant college stats
Bryant was a producer for the Fighting Illini.
In his career, he made 136 catches. Of those, 19 went for touchdowns and another 95 for first down.
That rate was 52-of-54 either TDs or first downs in 2024, per SI.
Bryant also dropped only one of 78 targets in 2024.
Broncos WR depth chart
The Broncos are led out wide by Courtland Sutton.
They also have Marvin Mims, Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin and free agent signing Trent Sherfield.
Bryant has a chance to break through and be Sutton's direct backup in Year 1.
Down the road, if Sutton is ever to move on, Bryant could replace him and be a similar wide receiver for Nix and the Broncos.
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