Tag: Coby Bryant

2022 Senior Bowl: 4 potential Chargers CB/WR who stood out from Day 1

Identifying four wide receivers and cornerbacks who stood out on the first day of Senior Bowl practices.

The first day of Senior Bowl practices is in the books and the buzz around certain prospects has already reached a fever pitch.

Here are four players the Chargers could target across the wide receiver and cornerback positions that exceeded expectations on Tuesday.

WR – Christian Watson, NDSU
An unmistakable figure standing at 6’4” as he towered over the rest of the National wide receiver group, Watson was hard to miss as the first day of Senior Bowl practices kicked off. The small school product quickly commanded all the eyes in the stadium as he displayed uncanny quickness off the line, sunk into his cuts with ease, and shot away from defenders. 

In the one-on-one period, Watson excelled in a variety of areas. He distanced himself with smooth routes, made catches away from his frame, and relished in blocking duties when on the field for run plays. Watson also recorded the fifth-highest speed at the practice, clocking in at 20.71 miles per hour. Expect eyes to remain on him throughout the week after the strong showing.

WR – Calvin Austin III, Memphis
A day after his height was confirmed to be two inches shorter than expected, the 5’7” Austin put on a clinic as he put his top-end jets to the test against the American team’s premier cornerback talent. One of the fastest players in the draft, Austin became a lightning bolt off the line and cooked overeager opponents attempting to squash him in press coverage. When given a free release, Austin flashed by his opponent and generated large gaps of separation with his speed. It was a tough day for the receivers competing against the likes of Roger McCreary, Mario Goodrich, and Derion Kendrick all afternoon. However, Austin was the one threat that stood out and consistently threatened vertical.

CB – Coby Bryant, Cincinnati
In his black uniform and red pants, Bryant looked like he was suited up for another game with the Bearcats and he enjoyed a comfortable day holding his own under the lights of Hancock-Whitney stadium. Bryant looked calm, fluid, and dominant against every receiver he lined up across. The traits that made him the Jim Thorpe Award winner traveled with him to Mobile, and he nearly intercepted Nevada quarterback Carson Strong on a deep ball during 7-on-7 drills. Often overlooked in favor of the flashy resume of Ahmad Gardner, Bryant has carved a reputation of his own right as one of the Senior Bowl’s must-watch prospects in the secondary.

CB – Akayleb Evans, Missouri
Evans had made an impact as one of the biggest surprises of the Senior Bowl so far, standing out among a crowded American cornerback room. He was a standout defending the American team receivers in press coverage as he accurately landed strikes as a physical presence at the line of scrimmage. Evans was able to turn and run easily and did not allow much breathing room as he blanketed his assignments downfield. After practice, Evans was presented with the Alabama Power Community Service Award for his time spent giving back to others and the efforts of his foundation, which provides scholarships for high school students from Evan’s hometown.

Chargers Scouting Report: Cincinnati CB Coby Bryant

Putting Cincinnati CB Coby Bryant under the microscope to see if he’s a fit for the Chargers.

The 2022 Senior Bowl is upon us and practices for the National and American teams will be underway shortly in Mobile, AL.

Given the opportunity to observe several impressive NFL draft prospects in person, we will do our best to evaluate the impressive pool of upperclassmen talent and determine the best fits for the Chargers.

Today, I am taking a look at Cincinnati cornerback Coby Bryant.

Coby Bryant | Cincinnati | #7 | Senior | Cleveland, OH | 6013 | 191

Testing
40-yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3-Cone Drill: N/A
20-Yard Shuttle: N/A

Career: AAC First Team selection in 2020 and 2021. Winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, given to the country’s best defensive back. Cornerstone of a Bearcats defense that ranked first in pass proficiency, earning the program’s first College Football Playoff appearance. Totaled 170 tackles (7.0 for loss), nine interceptions, and 35 passes defenses in 53 games.

Red Flags: None

Strengths: Flexible runner that can turn and carry the receiver upfield with ease. A fisherman guarding the vertical game; Bryant is content to reel in threats to the top of the secondary with nonchalant long speed once he flips his hips. Methodical in man coverage that trusts his fluidity and smooth footwork to glide alongside opponents. Gives himself ample distance to process the proceedings of the offense and react. Backpedal is steady and polished, allowing for a seamless transition to click and close to underneath targets. Productive ballhawk that pinpoints throw trajectories and is the first to rise up and challenge the catch. A mercenary when tasked with blitzing duties – frantic when he blazes off the edge with a hellbent mentality to plunge into the backfield with urgency. Gets the most out of his practical length using accurate strikes from a balanced stance to sway press matchups in his favor. A shrill communicator who conveys his pre-snap observations to the defense and directs adjustments to the formation accordingly. Embraces contact and the physical aspect of the game, assisting the run defense with vicious intent. 

Weaknesses: Prone to diving at a player’s ankles as his go-to tackle method. His form needs vast retooling to improve his consistency wrapping up ball carriers. Recovery tactics are sometimes chaotic when Bryant fears he’s lost complete leverage, especially when shook early in the route. Often opens up too early in the play, delaying his pursuit to quick-hitters. Struggles to promptly detach himself from blockers.

Final Word: Overshadowed by the impressive resume of Ahmad Gardner, Bryant ended a strong five-year career at Cincinnati in emphatic fashion with national recognition. He is a cornerback that plays bigger than his frame, fusing precise coverage technique with noteworthy ball skills that draw a stark parallel to Marcus Peters. Bryant will draw plenty of suitors in the second round that will grow to admire his scheme versatility and competitiveness.

Fit Likelihood: High

Grade: 2nd

Film Highlights
Bryant deployed as an outside blitzer to thwart the run game.

Ball skills, field vision, and burst to shutter the throw window on this red zone interception from Bryant.

 

Watch: Cincinnati’s Coby Bryant with the pick and sideline slam in Peach Bowl

Cincinnati’s Coby Bryant with a tribute to the late Lakers star

Kobe Bryant had 1,944 steals in his NBA career. So, it is only appropriate a DB named Coby Bryant would make a pick in the Chick fil-A Peach Bowl.

The Cincinnati defensive back made the interception of Georgia’s J.T. Daniels and celebrated with a tribute slam on the sideline.

How he came to be Coby Bryant is fascinating:

Coby was named after the late Hall of Fame basketball player.

Coby says his parents gave him the name because they were fans of the former Los Angels Lakers star, but they altered the spelling so that their son could carve out his own legacy.

“I’m very grateful for my name,” Bryant said.