Austin Bryant

in our view

The NFL is always willing to gamble on edge rushers with Bryant's combination of size and explosiveness, though this one-year starter currently lacks the functional strength, technique and awareness most clubs expect out of an early round pick and therefore patience may be required. Bryant does possess the upside, however, to warrant the investment.

strengths

Looks the part of an NFL edge rusher with broad shoulders, a tapered, athletic frame and long limbs. Flashes excellent initial quickness, timing his get-off with the ball to cross the face of right tackles and showing the quickness to counter back inside. Equally explosive off the ball out of the two or three point stance, offering his future NFL team a great deal of schematic versatility. A flexible athlete with the agility, bend and closing speed to be very effective on twists and stunts. Accelerates quickly, generating impressive power as a tackler, creating some big collisions and forcing two fumbles in 2017. Uses his long arms to lasso ball-carriers in the open field, wrapping them up for the secure stop. Shows some awareness of passing lanes, getting his hands up and showing good timing on his leaps to hamper the view of quarterbacks. Possesses obvious athletic ability and appears to be just scratching the surface of his potential. - Rob Rang 12/19/2017

compares to

Whitney Mercilus, Houston. The Texans gambled on the upside of Mercilus - a one year star at Illinois - with the No. 26 overall selection back in 2012 and, when healthy, he's proven worthy of the pick, registering 38.5 sacks since, including a career-high 12 during an All-Pro 2015 season. Both defenders boast the combination of size and athleticism to warrant rolling the dice, especially if surrounded with an excellent supporting cast like the one Bryant has at Clemson and Mercilus, in Houston.

weaknesses

Currently lacks ideal strength at the point of attack, though this is an area that should improve with more time in the weight room. Too often stands up as he engages the blocker, losing the leverage battle (as well as sight of the ball) and struggling to disengage. Lack of playing time is evident in how long it takes him to process the action, too often hesitating and reacting only after the ball is moving... Does not anticipate cuts or trap blocks well yet and spends more time than he should on the ground. Does not currently show a wide variety of pass rush moves and hand technique, relying mostly on pure speed, a counter back inside, a bull rush and the variety of twists and stunts utilized by the Clemson coaching staff. Capable of dropping back and is an imposing figure in space but is too methodical in his movements and currently lacks the "feel" for coverage. Has undergone surgery on both feet for the same injury (broken fifth metatarsal), which may warrant further investigation at the Combine. -- Rob Rang 12/19/2017

From Pavo, Ga., attended Thomas County Central High. Consensus top-20 player in Georgia

No. 134 player and No. 15 defensive end in the nation by ESPN No. 149 player and No. 11 defensive end in the nation by Rivals.com

No. 199 player and No. 12 defensive end in the nation by 247Sports.com

AAAA all-state selection

had 64 tackles, five sacks and three caused fumbles as a junior

teammate of running back Adam Choice

starter on the basketball team

coached by Bill Shaver

recruited by Marion Hobby and Danny Pearman.

Majoring in pre-business

born Nov. 12, 1996.

2018

2017

2016