The Denver Broncos are rolling. Winners of nine straight, they’ve positioned themselves as a serious contender for the AFC’s top playoff seed-and they’re doing it with a mix of clutch performances, gritty defense, and some unexpected contributions on offense.
Their latest win, an overtime nail-biter against the Washington Commanders, was yet another one-score victory-Denver is now 8-2 in such games this season. That’s not just luck.
That’s a team learning how to close.
One of the more intriguing storylines behind this Broncos surge? The emergence of rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant. He’s not just finding his footing-he’s quietly becoming a real piece of the offensive puzzle.
Pat Bryant’s Rise in the Broncos’ Passing Game
Let’s be honest: Pat Bryant didn’t enter the league with a ton of hype. He wasn’t a first-round pick, and he didn’t light up the pre-draft process with eye-popping measurables. But what he did bring was a pro-ready skill set-good size, reliable hands, and a willingness to block, which coaches love in a run-heavy system.
Over the last five games, Bryant’s production has started to mirror that of the Broncos’ more established pass-catchers. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Pat Bryant: 13 receptions, 227 yards, 1 touchdown
- Courtland Sutton: 17 receptions, 242 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Troy Franklin: 21 receptions, 261 yards, 3 touchdowns
Now, those numbers don’t scream “superstar,” but they do tell a story. Bryant is keeping pace with Sutton and Franklin, two players expected to carry the load in the passing game. And when you factor in Bryant’s ability as a blocker-something that doesn’t show up in the box score-his value to the offense becomes even clearer.
Why Bryant’s Role Could Keep Growing
This isn’t just about numbers. It’s about timing, development, and fit.
Bryant is starting to look more comfortable in the offense, and that’s coming at a time when the Broncos are pushing for playoff positioning. He’s running cleaner routes, finding soft spots in coverage, and showing the kind of toughness that coaches trust in high-leverage moments.
And while Troy Franklin has had his flashes, Bryant’s all-around game-particularly his blocking-gives him an edge in certain personnel groupings. That could lead to more snaps, more targets, and potentially a bigger role down the stretch.
Big Picture: What the Broncos Have in the WR Room
Let’s be clear: the Broncos still don’t have that prototypical WR1 who can take over a game and demand double coverage. That’s a piece they may still need to find.
But what they do have is a group of receivers who are functional, versatile, and developing at the right time. Sutton is the veteran presence.
Franklin is the speed threat. And now Bryant is carving out a role as the do-it-all grinder who’s earning the trust of the coaching staff.
If Bryant continues on this trajectory, don’t be surprised if he sees an even bigger role as the Broncos head into the final stretch of the regular season-and potentially into the playoffs. He’s not just a rookie filling space. He’s becoming a real factor in a team that suddenly looks like a problem for the rest of the AFC.