Pat Bryant

As we approach the 2025 fantasy football season, Pat Bryant, the rookie wide receiver from Illinois, is a name that has garnered significant attention, particularly after being selected 74th overall by the Denver Broncos. Bryant had a stellar final collegiate season, setting the best receiving marks for an Illinois receiver in the history of PFF's college football tracking. He impressed with 10 touchdowns and a remarkable 3.07 yard per route run rate in 2024, which has fantasy managers intrigued about his potential.

However, it's crucial to temper expectations for Bryant's rookie season. Despite his impressive college stats, he joins a crowded receiving room in Denver, which could limit his immediate impact. The Broncos had a complex wide receiver rotation last season, and with Bryant's addition, the competition for touches will only intensify. Additionally, Bryant's athletic profile, while promising in terms of size and possession skills, lacks standout athleticism. He ran a 4.61 40-yard dash, and his breakout came relatively late in his college career, at the age of 20.

Coach Sean Payton has drawn comparisons between Bryant and Michael Thomas, which has fueled some optimism among fantasy managers. However, it's important to note that this comparison is more about projection than current production. Bryant had only one career game with double-digit targets in college and was even out-targeted by his teammate Zakhari Franklin during his final season. This underlying data suggests that while there is potential, it may take some time for Bryant to fully integrate into the Broncos' offense and become a reliable fantasy asset.

For the 2025 season, fantasy managers should approach Pat Bryant with a mix of excitement and caution. His rookie ADP has surged, but the historical success rate of mid-round wide receiver picks is not overwhelmingly positive. Bryant's role in the Broncos' offense will likely evolve over the season, and he may not be an immediate starter or high-target receiver. As such, he might be more of a dynasty league pick or a late-round draft choice in redraft leagues, where his long-term potential can be leveraged without the pressure of immediate returns.

Updated 06/28/2025