Bleacher Report listed Rams as an option for Illinois WR Pat Bryant in the 2025 NFL draft
If there is one lesson this Los Angeles Rams season has taught us, it’s that the front office must stock up at wide receiver this offseason. Aside from the presence of Puka Nacua, LA’s future beyond Cooper Kupp is murky, and the Rams should consider a Big Ten playmaker in the 2025 NFL draft.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski considers Los Angeles a fit for “late bloomer” University of Illinois WR Pat Bryant in next year’s draft.
“The 6’3”, 200-pounder brings legitimate X-receiver size and physicality to the position, which isn’t as common among Day 2 targets. He has enough burst to stack cornerbacks, with the body control to win down the field.
Even as part of the nation’s 83rd-ranked passing offense, Bryant made the most of his opportunities, with the chance to open even more eyes at this year’s Senior Bowl.”
Bryant posted modest production in 24 games from 2022-23, amassing 1,013 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. He exploded for 984 yards, 10 touchdowns and averaged 18.2 yards per reception during Illinois’ surprising 9-3 campaign in 2024. The 10 receiving scores tied a school record with David Williams (1985) and Brandon Lloyd (2001).
Bryant made the most of his opportunities despite not playing in a pass-happy offensive scheme. Even with the Illini’s running-centric offense, it’s very clear why the pass catcher earned second-team All-Big Ten honors this season. He’s a speedy option in the passing game and is particularly dangerous after the catch. The best demonstration of his abilities came in a 197-yard outing versus Rutgers, highlighted by his game-winning touchdown in the 38-31 win.
The Rams make sense for Bryant because there are not enough consistent or proven options behind Kupp and Nacua. Tutu Atwell has quietly had a breakout campaign, but the coaching staff remains hesitant to give the Louisville product more playing time. Per Pro Football Reference, Atwell has started just four games and 40% of LA’s offensive snaps in ‘24.
Los Angeles must improve their depth after Kupp and Puka missed a combined nine games earlier this season. Plus, Bryant would receive the added benefit of learning from two of the best in the business if the Rams were to select him.
The Illinois star is driven by greatness and intends to follow that desire as he wraps up his collegiate career. Ahead of Illinois’ Citrus Bowl matchup against the 15th-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks, Bryant hopes to continue adding to his legacy in Champaign.
“I just want to be remembered as a tough, smart, dependable player and a guy who makes things happen to me when things need to happen. I want to leave my mark as being a team-first guy and try to create history and do something that hasn’t been done in a long time. When people say my name, I want to be remembered as something special,” Bryant said via the Fighting Illini’s official website.
Pat Bryant might have the chance to be remembered as something special in Hollywood, the place where stories like his are meant to play out.