Hunter

Bryant

Bryant (6'2/248) was tied with Cincinnati’s Joseph Degura for second in his running group with a sprint of 4.60 seconds. Respectable enough runs, but a full tenth of a second slower than Missouri’s Albert Okwuegbunam, the leader in the clubhouse at 4.49 seconds (unofficially). NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein compares Bryant -- whose medical checks this week will matter to his ultimate draft slot -- to Redskins TE Jordan Reed.

Bryant (6'2/239) is considered by some to be the top tight end in this draft class, with Pro Football Focus placing him atop their position rankings in early February. And his ability as a pass-catcher is the reason why some are so high on him. “He doesn’t have ideal size or determination as a blocker, but he has sticky hands with the acceleration to work past linebackers and threaten seams,” Zierlein wrote. There are issues to be addressed, including Bryant’s ability as a blocker and his past history of knee issues. Bryant projects to be a Day 2 selection come April.

This is not a loaded tight end class, but there are some talented players, and Bryant is certainly more than the best of a bad situation. As PFF notes, he has the most yards per route run of any player not just in this class, but of any tight end since 2014 at 2.9. “Bryant has movement skills that you simply can’t teach for a man that big (6'2/239)”, Mike Remmer writes, [and] he looks like a wide receiver out there and has produced like one, as well.”

Bryant (6'2/239) declared for the NFL Draft a little over a week ago. Shortly thereafter, it was announced Bryant would not be playing in the team’s bowl game. Skipping the bowl game is generally a smart decision for players, especially early declarations, trying to preserve their health for the NFL Draft. Bryant is aiming to be a Day 2 pick this spring.

Bryant (6'2/239) finished the regular season with 52 receptions, 825 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions, averaging 15.9 yards per catch. His draft stock entering the season was limited some due to the fact that he missed time in each of his first two years at Washington due to injury, but he was able to play in all 12 of the Huskies’ games this season. Pro Football Network draft analyst Tony Pauline wrote in early November that Bryant has a shot at being a Day 2 draft pick next spring were he to forego his final season of eligibility. There’s been no word as to whether or not the tight end will play in Washington’s bowl game.

Bryant also had one drop, but outside of that, it was an outstanding game for the 6-foot-2, 239-pound tight end. He was consistently open over the middle, and Jacob Eason -- for the most part -- didn’t have trouble finding him. Bryant can enter the draft if he wants to give up his senior season, and in a weak tight end class, it might be the right move. For now, his next appearance will come in Washington’s bowl.

Bryant (6'2/239) had his best game of the season for the Huskies in a game where they needed it. It just wasn’t enough. He scored a 40-yard touchdown on a beautiful throw from Jacob Eason in the second quarter, and he did most of the work on a 34-yard trip to the end zone a quarter later. When Bryant is healthy, he does things very few tight ends can do. He has a chance for another big game on Friday against Oregon State.

Bryant got the Huskies off to a great start, which must have been nice to see for fans of Washington after their offense couldn’t do much at all in the loss to Cal on Sunday morning. You read that right. He took a Jacob Eason offering and did most of the work on a 47-yard score with over 13 minutes left in the first quarter. He didn’t score again, but Eason looked his way often, and his ability to haul in slants and drag routes while playing close to the line makes him a dangerous option as long as he can stay healthy. The 6-foot-2, 239-pound tight end will look to continue his good start to the year next Saturday vs. BYU.

Bryant was questionable for this game with an undisclosed injury -- it’s very likely involving the knee trouble that has given him problems since enrolling -- but he sure looked healthy on Saturday. While he didn’t find the end zone, he did have several long plays, and seemed to have good rapport with Jacob Eason. As long as Bryant is healthy, he should be among the best tight ends in college football. The talent is ridiculous. Bryant and the Huskies take on Cal next Saturday in their Pac-12 opener.

Mike Vorel of the Seattle Times writes that this is a sign that Bryant “may play” in Saturday’s contest. This is something of an interesting one, as there had been no previous indication that the junior tight end was dealing with any notable health concerns in August camp. Stay tuned.