5 best options Broncos could have with their first pick in 2022 NFL Draft

If you are wondering, yes, this Coby Bryant is named after NBA legend Kobe Bryant and he talks about having the “Mamba mentality” throughout his playing career to this point. Bryant is seen by many analysts as a day three pick, but he is more than worth the shot if he is on the board at this spot.

In 2021 during an undefeated regular season at Cincinnati, Bryant was routinely tested in the passing game as teams wanted to stay away from Ahmad Gardner, who will possibly the first cornerback off the board in this draft.

But Bryant tested out well. He had 44 total tackles, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. In fact, he played so well that he was given the Jim Thorpe Award, handed out annually to the best defensive back in the country.

For his career, Bryant had nine interceptions for the Bearcats. He will bring a plethora of desirable traits to the team that selects him in this draft.

Bryant is aggressive but can also mirror most receivers (at least at the college level) down the field. He has ideal length and size at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds. He attacks the ball in the air and he can be quite effective as a blitzer off the edge.

But what may put him over the top as a potential steal in this draft is his ability as a tackler, which is above average for a cornerback. He is solid in run defense and hits like a safety.