Clemson’s Austin Bryant is a well built defensive line prospect who has flashed some big-time upside.
Austin Bryant features a good combination of size, length and overall bulk. This size helps him hold up in the trenches. He flashes good overall athleticism for his size and the ability to make some plays in the open field.
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
As a player, he is still developing and is more of a projection at this point of his career. Bryant isn’t the most consistent performer and rather will flash the ability to make impact plays.
The first thing that jumps out as something Bryant needs to work on is his hand usage. He tends to throw his shoulder into the blocker rather than using his hands. This limits his spacing and hurts his ability to locate the football.
His lack of hand usage also allows the blocker to get into his frame and makes it difficult for Bryant to disengage. Too often, he gets caught up at the line of scrimmage rather than pursuing down the line.
Bryant flashes the athleticism needed to generate pressure on the quarterback, but doesn’t jump out as overly explosive. His first step is just average and when paired with his lack of pass rush moves limits Bryant’s consistency to get after the quarterback.
He needs to spend time developing a plan for when to use different pass rush moves. Often time, he appears to be just running towards the quarterback with no sense of a plan.
Bryant shows good upside as a run defender thanks to his size, bulk and arm length. He needs to work on his hand usage to be able to reach his potential as a run defender. This is a trend with a lot of Bryant’s play.
He needs to add more polish to his game in order to unlock his potential. Bryant has the measurables evaluators look for in a defensive lineman, but will want to see more consistency and overall production.
That said, Bryant still has a chance to be an early round pick based on his potential. Coaches love to add guys they feel they can mold into a difference maker.