Sean Payton Sends Clear Message on Broncos Rookie WR’s Expanded Role

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is making it clear that rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant is starting to earn a larger place in the team’s offensive plans.

Through seven games, the 22-year-old has just five catches for 46 yards on 10 targets, but his playing time is trending up

As Rotoballer noted, after not eclipsing 33% of Denver’s offensive snaps in any of the first four weeks, Bryant has now played over 50% in three straight games, including a season-high four targets in Week 7 against the New York Giants. 

While the production hasn’t yet matched the opportunity, it’s a sign that Payton is beginning to trust the rookie more within the system and is sending a clear message that he is going to be a big part of the Denver offense going forward. 

“His confidence is growing, and you can see that on the field,” Payton said recently. “We’ve asked him to do more, run-block, adjust routes, move inside, and he’s responded well. That’s what you want to see from a young receiver.”

While the stat sheet still paints a modest picture, Payton’s comments hint that the team is looking for ways to expand Bryant’s role as the offense continues to evolve.

Bryant’s Collegiate Career Turning Heads in Denver

Before arriving in Denver, Bryant made his mark at Illinois, where he became one of the Big Ten’s best wideouts over the last few years.

Over his final two seasons, he hauled in 81 catches for 1,141 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

Payton referenced that reliability as one of the reasons the Broncos targeted him during the draft.

“He’s a guy who understands leverage, finds the soft spot in coverage, and competes every play,” Payton said during training camp. “He’s got a mature approach and that’s something you don’t always see from rookies.”

Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton echoed the sentiment earlier this month, telling reporters that Bryant “comes in every day locked in. You can tell he’s hungry to learn.”

“He asks questions, studies the playbook, and stays late after practice,” Sutton added. “That’s the stuff coaches notice. It’s why you’re seeing him on the field more.”

In the preseason, Sean Payton praised Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant for his size, toughness, and ability to make big plays in clutch moments, and even compared him to former Saints receiver Michael Thomas who he used to coach. 

How Bryant Could Elevate Denver’s Offense

The Broncos’ offense has been uneven so far this season, averaging just 302 total yards per game, including just 179.9 passing yards per contest. 

Those numbers are far from the explosive standards set by Payton-led units in New Orleans, which frequently ranked among the league’s best.

Denver’s staff is searching for balance, and Bryant could help provide it. His growing comfort in the system gives Payton more flexibility to move receivers around and create mismatches. 

“Every week, you’re seeing him a little more involved,” Payton said. “We like his size, his toughness, and his ability to make plays after the catch. He’s not there yet, but he’s getting close.”

If that trajectory continues, Bryant could become a crucial complementary piece to Sutton and even a sneaky waiver wire stash in fantasy football leagues for late in the season.

He could also be a good option to hold on your bench in many dynasty fantasy football leagues as well. 

“Sometimes all it takes is opportunity and confidence,” Payton added. “When those meet, good things happen.”

If Bryant continues trending upward, he could be the kind of under-the-radar piece that helps Denver’s offense click as the postseason approaches. 

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