ENGLEWOOD — When Broncos head coach Sean Payton compares a rookie wide receiver to Michael Thomas, people tend to listen. And that’s exactly what happened when Payton brought up similarities between Denver’s third-round pick, Pat Bryant, and the All-Pro receiver he coached in New Orleans.
But for Bryant, the comparison isn’t a destination—it’s a motivator.
“Yeah, I saw that,” Bryant said with a smile.
“But you know my mindset—be the best Pat Bryant.”
Bryant’s comment wasn’t flashy. It was focused. And that’s been the theme ever since the former Illinois standout arrived in Denver.
A Confident Start in Broncos Orange
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver was selected with the 76th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after a steady climb at Illinois. Known for his body control, contested catch ability, and downfield presence, Bryant brings physical traits that translate well to the pro level.
He’s already flashing those tools in camp, including a sequence where he ran a crisp dig route against first-round cornerback Jahdae Barron, with the two rookies battling for positioning throughout the play.
“Great coverage on me by Jahdae Barron at practice,” Bryant said.
“Of course, you know, we’re teammates and take care of each other. But those are catches I’ve gotta make to be successful at this level.”
That mentality—owning the reps, regardless of outcome—has stood out early. Bryant doesn’t speak like a player who’s just happy to be here. He talks like a player who knows where he belongs and what it takes to thrive.
“When the Ball’s in the Air, It’s Mine”
At Illinois, Bryant hauled in 1,479 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns over his final two seasons, earning praise for his ability to win 50-50 balls and make plays in traffic. But his real calling card? A mindset that fits right in with the NFL.
“At the end of the day, I’m trying to get better,” Bryant said.
“When the ball is in the air, it’s mine.”
That quote might remind Broncos fans of Courtland Sutton during his early years—or even Michael Thomas himself, who became known for his toughness and reliability in Payton’s Saints offense.
But Bryant isn’t caught up in comparisons. He’s working to forge his own identity.
“When I first got here, it was pretty smooth,” he said.
“But once I put the helmet back on, I felt like the same Pat Bryant I’ve been my whole life.”
That self-belief, paired with work ethic and raw ability, makes Bryant one of the most intriguing young players to watch in camp.
Sean Payton Sees the Traits
For Sean Payton, wide receiver development is nothing new. From Marques Colston to Brandin Cooks to Michael Thomas, Payton’s offenses have featured receivers with strong catch radiuses and route timing—traits Bryant shares.
Payton hasn’t shied away from highlighting Bryant’s potential.
“He’s a strong player at the catch point,” Payton said during a the media session.
“Reminds me a little of Mike [Thomas] when he was young—just in terms of frame, play style, and the way he competes.”
That’s high praise coming from a coach who helped Thomas set the NFL single-season reception record.
Still, Bryant is focused on stacking good days and learning every rep—especially as he looks to build chemistry with quarterback Bo Nix.
The Role Ahead
The Broncos are preparing to reshape their wide receiver room heading into the 2025 season, and rookie minicamp offered an early look at the depth being built around quarterback Bo Nix.
Courtland Sutton remains the clear veteran leader, although he is in his final year of current contract and wanting a new deal. While Marvin Mims Jr., entering his third season, brings speed and growing experience to the offense. Devaughn Vele, coming off a quietly productive rookie year in 2024, has positioned himself as a reliable possession target with strong hands and route discipline. Troy Franklin—a rookie from last year’s draft—brings vertical explosiveness, Pat Bryant offers a different skill set: size, physicality, and red zone potential.
If Bryant continues to impress through the offseason program and into training camp, he could carve out early snaps as a WR3 or key rotational option in Sean Payton’s evolving offense.
Chemistry With Teammates
One encouraging sign for Bryant is how quickly he’s earning the respect of his teammates. His rapport with fellow rookies like Barron, and his interactions during drills, show a player locked in on the bigger picture.
“Practices like this, it’s iron sharpens iron,” said Bryant. With Pat and Jahdae battling like that makes both sides better.
And that’s exactly the kind of environment Payton wants: hungry rookies who push each other, learn quickly, and bring a competitive edge to every rep.
Looking Ahead
As the Broncos continue to build their offense around their star quarterback and revamped running game with RJ Harvey, young weapons like Pat Bryant will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s identity.
Whether or not the Michael Thomas comparison holds weight long-term, one thing is clear: Bryant is focused, fearless, and ready to carve out his own name in Denver.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about being Michael Thomas,” Bryant said.
“It’s about being the best Pat Bryant I can be.”
And if early camp is any indication, that version of Pat Bryant could become a serious problem for opposing defenses this fall.
Denver Sports Media 