The Chicago Bears have done a massive overhaul of the wide receiver position over the past couple of years. We've seen players come and go, like Keenan Allen, but now the core of DJ Moore and Rome Odunze is looking like a strong foundation for the group to build upon.
Chicago could still use some wide receiver depth, which is why it might make sense not to have to look very far.
Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant is going to hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft and he very well could be an option. The Second-Team All-Big Ten wideout tied an Illinois record with 10 receiving touchdowns in 2024 and comes into the draft as a big target with noticeable improvement over each of his last three seasons with the Illini.
Illinois WR Pat Bryant 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Notes
- Height: 6-2
- Weight: 204
- Second in Big Ten receiving yards in 2024 (984)
- Three-star recruit out of high school
Positives
- Made for fade routes and contested catches; big frame and catch radius allows him to go up and make those grabs more often than now
- Body control in the air is superb
- Highly intelligent after the snap; does a nice job feeling corners out and taking advantage based on their footwork
Bryant's strong and athletic frame provides him with all the tools to out-man opposing defenders. He is going to win on fades and those over-the-shoulder grabs because of his ball skills and ability to track those specific throws.
His strength and play style also help him in the area of blocking. Not all wideouts are willing in this realm, but Bryant is a great blocker.
Negatives
- Limited route tree
- Could use his big frame and catch radius more to his advantage
- Lack of acceleration and extra gear limits his separation (4.61 40-yard dash)
Bryant isn't the fastest player and his 40 time shows just that. He's going to be cuffed by his route tree and will need to expand on that, for sure. Despite having a large wingspan, Bryant doesn't use that to his advantage nearly enough and should be coached to do so at the next level.
Pat Bryant NFL Player Comparison: Noah Brown
Similar to Noah Brown coming out of Ohio State, the two of them share a somewhat slower top speed and bigger frame that's used well in blocking. Brown also had to work on his route tree coming out. Many of Brown's weaknesses are reasons why he fell to the seventh round. But, Bryant is coming out as a bit more polished and should go sooner.
Pat Bryan 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Rounds 4/5
Bryant is widely viewed as a Day 3 pick, but should end up hearing his name called sooner rather than later on that day. If he's there in the fifth, teams should be ready to take that kind of value.