FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Pat Bryant
Pat Bryant (WR – Illinois)
6-foot-3 | 200 Pounds
Background
Pat Bryant was a three-star recruit who played sparingly as a freshman (6-98-0) before taking over a starting role the following season. Production escalated every season, starting with a 34-453-2 (13.3) line in 2022. He followed that up with a 43-560-7 (13.0) line in 2023, and a line of 54-984-10 (18.2) this past season.
Positives
Big three-year starter with escalating year-to-year output. Typically lines up to the far right side of the formation as a split end, but will be moved around on occasion and take some snaps out of the slot as well to get him different looks on throws like screens. Long-strider who eats up cushions quickly against off-coverage. Flashes the occasional choppy footwork and decisiveness to get leverage on inside releases against press coverage.
Bryant can fight through contact mid-route. Naturally athletic, with adequate speed to threaten defenses down the sideline. Illinois took some shots on him, sometimes off of double-moves. Does a nice job of tracking throws over his shoulder and shows above-average flexibility to make adjustments — traits which combined with his big frame offer a big target. Had some issues with drops in the past, but has been making strides. Per Pro Football Focus, he only dropped one pass this season.
Has been effective at using his frame and length to shield defenders from the ball and come down with contested catches. Speed and flexibility make him a relatively effective runner after the catch. Pretty tough stalk blocker who has a powerful shove and generally works hard through the whistle. Shows good range to successfully engage opponents in space.
Negatives
Bryant has some feast-or-famine traits, with huge games and some very quiet ones. Not an advanced route runner at this point. Has a relatively simple release package and struggles to create separation at the line. The stems of his routes aren’t very crisp yet; tends to gear down too much into his breaks, with some lackadaisical movements at the top that only work when he’s operating under off-coverage.
Still learning how to stack defenders on deep routes. Route tree itself isn’t the most diverse; you’ll see some screens and speed-outs/flats from bunch formations. For the most part, Bryant is at his best on routes further downfield, often down the sidelines but occasionally on overs. Form as a blocker is a work in progress, relying more on his natural size and nastiness at this point. Doesn’t always show urgency in lateral movement to cut off pursuit.
Summary
Despite spending four years in school, Bryant is a relatively raw, toolsy prospect who doesn’t run very crisp routes that show attention to detail. However, tall, fast receivers with good body control, reliable hands and physical blocking don’t exactly grow on trees.
Bryant has enough traits to warrant mid-round consideration as a developmental split end, especially considering he’s made strides in each season on campus. Would need to be drafted by a patient team with a quality coaching staff.
Projection: Round 4/Round 5
Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports 
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Is capable of coming down with contested catches even in tight coverage, with rare size that makes him a mismatch for most cornerbacks. May not have quite the same strength and physicality as Mike Evans did coming out, but is a similar prospect and should go similarly high in the first round, likely within the first five or 10 picks.
Projection: Round 1
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As it currently stands, he doesn’t have a ton of recent experience playing outside and will need to continue diversifying his route tree and polishing his route-running technique, but that doesn’t look like it will stop him from being a first-round pick.
Projection: Round 1
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Projection: Round 1
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More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Wide Receivers
- Travis Hunter (Colorado)
- Elic Ayomanor (Stanford)
- Isaiah Bond (Texas)
- Tre Harris III (Mississippi)
- Matthew Golden (Texas)
- Xavier Restrepo (Miami)
- Tez Johnson (Oregon)
- Tai Felton (Maryland)
- Savion Williams (TCU)
- Pat Bryant (Illinois)
- Kaden Prather (Maryland)
- Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)
- Jalen Royals (Utah State)
- Jack Bech (TCU)
- Tory Horton (Colorado State)
- Ricky White III (UNLV)
- Jaylin Noel (Iowa State)
- JaCorey Brooks (Louisville)
- Kobe Hudson (Central Florida)
- LaJohntay Wester (Colorado)
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