Will Bryant be able to carve out an NFL career for himself?
With the 2024 NFL Draft only a few days away, hundreds of players across the country anxiously await to see if their lifelong dreams will become reality — if their names will be called in Detroit during the three-day event. One such hopeful is sixth-year Northwestern quarterback Ben Bryant.
During Bryant’s lone season with the Wildcats, the former Cincinnati and Eastern Michigan signal-caller played a crucial role in revitalizing Northwestern’s program. In his eight starts this season, Bryant posted a 5-3 record while throwing for 1,807 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also led the ‘Cats to a 2023 Las Vegas Bowl victory, steering the team to a 14-7 win over Utah and earning the honor of the game’s Most Valuable Player by accounting for 222 passing yards and two touchdowns.
Now, as the signal-caller looks to be one of the 257 players drafted in Detroit, let’s break down Bryant as a prospect.
Projection: Undrafted Free Agent
In a draft class overflowing with quarterback talent, it’s unlikely that Bryant will hear his name called during the three-day event.
However, his prototypical size for a pocket passer — standing 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 218 pounds — makes it difficult for teams to ignore his potential as an undrafted free agent. With his size as an advantage, a strong showing in training camp and preseason could help him secure a spot on a 53-man roster or a practice squad.
Additionally, Bryant’s extensive experience — having led three different programs in his six-year collegiate career and amassing 8,212 yards and 50 touchdowns — makes him attractive to NFL front offices. He offers a level of maturity and understanding of the game that could be beneficial during off-season programs.
On the other hand, his extended tenure in college and his age — he will turn 25 in September — will likely deter teams from drafting him. As a player entering the NFL at an older age without the prospect of an immediate impact, Bryant and his agent will likely be busy fielding calls from NFL teams once the draft concludes.
Strengths
Bryant possesses several qualities that should serve him well in the NFL, including pocket poise. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to remain composed under pressure, withstand hard hits, and deliver the ball accurately.
Additionally, the Cincinnati product has shown strong footwork within the pocket, which allows him to navigate the pass rush effectively.
In terms of mechanics, Bryant’s skill set includes a consistent throwing motion and a rapid release, enabling him to get the ball out quickly under pressure. His fast release complements his lightning-quick ability to read defenses, efficiently dissecting the schemes that opposing coordinators deploy against him.
Another trait that general managers will value is Bryant’s accuracy, particularly on short and medium throws down the field, where he consistently excels.
Weaknesses
While Bryant operates effectively within the pocket, he lacks the necessary mobility and athleticism to perform well outside it. He can scramble for a few yards if no options are available, but beyond that, he offers limited running ability.
Additionally, while Bryant possesses substantial accuracy on his short and medium throws, he has consistently struggled with deep accuracy, hindered by underwhelming arm strength that does not compare with other quarterback prospects expected to be drafted during the three-day event.
Throughout his career, Bryant has faced challenges with turnovers, often stemming from difficulties in situational decision-making. At times, he has made unnecessary throws into double coverage, which have resulted in interceptions. Bryant threw six interceptions last year, including a pair of picks against Rutgers, which massively capped the team’s offense in the eventual 24-7 loss.
It is difficult to imagine that Bryant will be able to significantly adjust the flaws demonstrated throughout his collegiate career, which likely caps his career projection to being a second or third-string quarterback in the NFL. However, his strengths should serve teams well, especially on the practice field and in the locker room.