FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Broncos Select Illinois WR Pat Bryant in NFL Draft’s Third Round
GREEN BAY, Wisc. — The Denver Broncos bolstered their offensive lineup during the NFL Draft on Friday night, selecting Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant with the 74th overall pick.
Bryant stood out in the 2024 season, leading the Fighting Illini with 984 receiving yards from 54 receptions, while tying a school record with 10 touchdown catches. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the second-team All-Big Ten.
"Head coach Sean Payton clearly has a preferred style when it comes to receivers, favoring players with size and reach," noted Denver7 Sports’ Nick Rothschild. At 6 feet 2 inches and 204 pounds, Bryant adds a formidable option for quarterback Bo Nix in the upcoming season.
Rothschild highlighted Bryant’s versatility, describing him as a "mismatch out of the slot" with an exceptional catch radius and strong ball-handling skills. "What sets him apart is his ability to perform under pressure," Rothschild emphasized. Last season, Bryant was the only player in college football to secure three game-winning touchdown receptions, proving he can be counted on in crucial moments.
The Broncos’ emphasis on strengthening their offense continued earlier in the draft when they selected Central Florida standout RJ Harvey in the second round, picking him with the 60th overall selection after trading down twice.
With these strategic additions, the Broncos are clearly committed to enhancing their offensive capabilities as they prepare for the upcoming season. For more updates on the Broncos’ draft picks and analysis, follow our coverage at Denver7.
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