The mandatory minicamp helped Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant improve his stock. While training camp will be the final test to determine his place in the depth chart, the rave reviews keep on coming about the former University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign standout.
However, as he continuously strives to improve his performance, he might need to brush up on some football history as well. As shared on the NFL’s official account on X/Twitter, Bryant played ‘Guess the Legend,’ a game wherein he must guess the player he chose within five clues. As he learns about new clues, he can eliminate some potential choices from the board.
Bryant chose Cris Carter, an eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who played for three teams (Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Miami Dolphins) in 16 NFL seasons. What’s fascinating, though, is what Bryant said upon learning the second clue, which pertains to Carter being a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.
After eliminating Marshawn Lynch, Pat Bryant said, “Who is this? I don’t know who this is,” while pointing at Jim Brown’s photo. Anyone who loves football, whether they played the game or not, should have an idea of who that iconic man is.
How did @Broncos rookie WR Pat Bryant do trying to guess this NFL legend?
Brown might have a checkered life off the field because of the assault charges tied to him. However, he’s one of the best players on the gridiron and the only player to have a football team named after him.
In addition to three NFL Most Valuable Player awards, Brown is a nine-time All-Pro who led the league in rushing yards eight times. He’s the only running back to retire with a career average of over 100 yards per game, a distinction that helped him earn a spot in the NFL’s 50th, 75th, and 100th anniversary teams.
Sean Payton Trying to Recreate his Saints Offense with RJ Harvey and Pat Bryant
While he didn’t know who Jim Brown is, all can be forgiven if Bryant delivers an impressive rookie season. Though Courtland Sutton will remain as Bo Nix’s top target in the passing game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton should have a defined role for Bryant, which mirrors the offensive scheme he ran with the New Orleans Saints.
If the plan runs smoothly, Pat Bryant should be Michael Thomas version 2.0. Thomas thrived under Payton until injuries derailed what could have been a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Thomas is the 2019 Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league in receiving yards (1,725) and setting an NFL record in receptions in a season (149).
Sean Payton wants Pat Bryant to be Michael Thomas for Bo Nix in Denver.
The Broncos NEED a reliable WR2…
– Marvin Mims
– Troy Franklin
– Devaughn Vele
Are simply not cutting it.
There is enough fantasy goodness to go around for Broncos WRs this year.
Meanwhile, Bryant’s fellow rookie, RJ Harvey, could be an Alvin Kamara-like running back because of his pass-catching ability. Kamara surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage in all eight seasons with the Saints. Being a threat anywhere he lined up earned Kamara two All-Pro and five Pro Bowl selections.
Will Bryant be the Broncos’ WR2?
For now, Sutton is the Broncos’ undisputed WR1, especially after being one of the most targeted wide receivers from last season. However, Pat Bryant can surpass other Broncos wideouts like Devaughn Vele, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr.
While all were talented, none had made a definitive case of being the second option behind Sutton. It’s an opening that Bryant can win, especially if he is impressive at training camp.
The question, though, is whether Payton will put much trust in his rookie wide receiver. Historically, the one-time Super Bowl winner doesn’t put much faith in first-year players. However, if he did so with Nix, Bryant could play a lot of snaps in his rookie campaign with the Broncos.
