The Denver Broncos’ wide receiver room was full of question marks heading into 2025, but by the end of the season, a few answers had started to emerge-none more intriguing than Pat Bryant. The third-round pick out of Illinois didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, but he carved out a role that now has analysts pegging him as a potential breakout star in 2026. And based on what we saw last season, that’s not just wishful thinking-it’s a real possibility.
Let’s start with the basics. Bryant came into the league with a solid frame-6'2", 204 pounds-and a skill set that suggested he could be more than just a depth piece. While most of the spotlight went to Troy Franklin, who had the built-in chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix from their days at Oregon, Bryant quietly went about his business and showed he belongs.
His rookie numbers? Modest: 31 catches, 378 yards, and a single touchdown.
But raw stats don’t tell the whole story here. What stands out is how Bryant made the most of his opportunities and earned trust in a crowded receiver room.
He posted a 73.0 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus, a strong mark for a first-year wideout, especially one not featured in the offense.
Dig a little deeper, and the potential starts to pop. Bryant averaged 12.2 yards per catch-45th in the league-but where he really showed promise was after the catch.
His 4.9 yards after catch per reception ranked 21st, a sign that once the ball is in his hands, he knows how to make something happen. That’s the kind of stat that doesn’t just happen by accident-it speaks to vision, burst, and instincts.
And then there’s the quarterback. Bo Nix exceeded expectations in his rookie season, showing poise, accuracy, and command of Sean Payton’s offense.
With Nix settling in as the guy in Denver, continuity at the quarterback position should only help Bryant take the next step. Chemistry takes time, and Bryant’s already ahead of the curve.
He’s also about to benefit from some key changes on the coaching staff. While Sean Payton remains the head of the operation, passing game coordinator Davis Webb has been promoted to offensive coordinator. Webb’s known for his creativity and understanding of modern offensive concepts, and that could mean more opportunities for Bryant to be featured in ways that suit his strengths-particularly in space and on intermediate routes where his size and YAC ability can shine.
But here’s the caveat-and it’s a big one. Sean Payton hasn’t exactly been predictable lately.
From staff shakeups to some eyebrow-raising public comments about Nix’s medical situation, Payton’s recent moves suggest he’s not afraid to make bold decisions. If he decides the offense needs a more established deep threat, Bryant could find himself squeezed out of targets.
Still, for now, the path is clear. Bryant has the tools, the trust, and the trajectory to make a leap.
If he follows a similar arc to Franklin-who jumped from 28 catches as a rookie to 65 in Year 2, with his touchdown total tripling in the process-Bryant could be in for a major uptick in production. That kind of development wouldn’t just be good for Bryant; it could be a difference-maker for a Broncos team looking to build on a run to the AFC Championship Game.
Bottom line: Pat Bryant isn’t just a name to watch-he’s a player on the rise. And if the Broncos’ offense continues to evolve around Nix and this young core, Bryant could be one of the biggest beneficiaries.