Denver Broncos Made a Smart Move by Drafting a Complete Talent in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos made a key move for their future by selecting one of the most overlooked prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.
After two days of draft action, Illinois football celebrated having one of its players selected.
Heading into the draft, it was unclear when the first Illini player would come off the board. ESPN ranked wide receiver Pat Bryant as Illinois’ top prospect, projecting him just inside the top 150 overall and as the 18th best receiver available.
Most projections had Bryant being picked in the late fourth or early fifth round, but Friday brought a surprise.
With the 74th overall pick in the third round, the Denver Broncos chose Bryant, bolstering their future.
The Broncos recognized Bryant’s potential value. At Illinois last season, he hauled in 54 catches for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns, playing a pivotal role in the team’s offense.
Pat Bryant Checks Every Box for What the Denver Broncos Need
At first glance, Denver’s wide receiver group had a productive season last year. However, a closer look revealed some inconsistencies.
Top receiver Courtland Sutton posted 81 catches for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns, but those numbers came on 132 targets. Sutton also had 10 drops — the second-most in the NFL — and an 11% drop rate, the third highest among receivers with 90 or more targets in 2024.
Bryant should help solve Denver’s drop issues. He was targeted 78 times last season at Illinois, catching 54 passes and recording just one drop, translating to a drop rate of only 1.8%. If the ball is catchable, Bryant secures it.
Moreover, Bryant offers much more than just reliable hands. He’s a complete player who’s willing to contribute in every facet of the game.
Notably, Bryant earned the fifth-highest run-blocking grade among Big Ten receivers, a crucial asset in the NFL. Even when not directly involved in a play, he’s committed to helping his teammates with downfield blocks — a trait that’s often undervalued but immensely important.
This was a fantastic pick by the Broncos — one that will pay dividends for years. Bryant is a tremendous third-round steal and a player who is bound to become a fan favorite.
