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Illinois Football Receiver Pat Bryant Declares for NFL Draft

Early mock drafts project the Illini receiver to go in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft
Jackson Langendorf|
Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

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Illinois Fighting Illini

On Tuesday, just three days removed from No. 21 Illinois’ regular-season finale – a 38-28 win over Northwestern – Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.

In 12 games in 2024, Bryant put together one of the most impressive regular seasons by an Illinois wide receiver in program history (54 receptions for 984 yards and a Big Ten-leading 10 touchdowns). Bryant was named an All-Big Ten second team selection just hours before his draft declaration.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Bryant blends elite strength, hands and leaping ability with good speed. His big-play ability may not translate 1-to-1 to the next level, but he seems to have the build and profile to be a Hines Ward-type NFL threat.

Bryant is a skilled route-running tactician who can create early separation, and he has the frame and jump-ball ability to be a productive target in the red zone. Moreover, his intanigbles – blocking, intelligence and clutch player – are second to none.

Currently projected to go in the fourth round of the draft, according to most mocks, Bryant will get a few more opportunities to showcase his ability to NFL scouts.

First up, the Senior Bowl.

On Monday, Bryant was invited to participate in the Reese’s Senior Bowl and quickly accepted, cementing his spot at the high-profile pre-draft event, which will take place on Feb. 1 in Mobile, Alabama. 

Then it’ll be off to the Draft Combine in late February and early March – Bryant’s last chance to climb NFL draft boards. 

Regardless of what improvements he can make to his draft stock, Bryant left a lasting legacy in Champaign, finishing his Illini career in the school's top 10 in receiving yards (2,095) and in the top five in touchdown receptions (19). He appears to be a lock to hear his name called in April, when he’ll become the sixth Illini receiver to be drafted since 2000.

More From Illinois on Sports Illustrated:

Illinois Football Play of the Week: Pat Bryant Ties TD Record

Instant Analysis: Illinois Takes Back The Hat From Northwestern, 38-28

Illinois Football Senior Offensive Assistant Dana Dimel Dies at 62

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Jackson Langendorf
JACKSON LANGENDORF

Primarily covers Illinois football and basketball, and Kansas basketball, with an emphasis on analysis, features and recruiting. Langendorf, a third-generation University of Illinois alum, has been watching Illini basketball and football for as long as he can remember. An advertising student and journalism devotee, he has been writing for On SI since October 2024. He can be followed and reached on X @jglangendorf.

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