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Big Kat Bryant may only be a projected mid round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but if the Pittsburgh Steelers were evaluating prospects on nicknames and leadership, he would be a slam dunk first round pick. Bryant is a 23-year-old 6-foot 5-inch edge rusher who began a solid college career at SEC powerhouse Auburn, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team. His freshman year ended in 2017 when UCF defeated his Auburn team in the Peach Bowl and declared themselves the NCAA College Football National Champions. Potentially foreshadowing his unusual decision just a few years later as a 5th year senior.
In what was supposed to be his senior year at Auburn, Bryant was named a team captain and made Second Team All-SEC as an edge rusher in Gus Malzahn’s swan song season. He started for Auburn for two years, totaled 10 sacks and 2 interceptions during that time. When Malzahn left Auburn in 2020, UCF pounced on the opportunity to bring in Malzahn and he brought along a 5th year eligible edge rusher who would be named a defensive captain despite only being a new arrival at UCF. Bryant was one of the bright spots on the 9-4 Golden Knights. He started all 13 games and led UCF with 6 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He earned a spot on the All-American Conference Team, All-American Conference Newcomer of the Year and All-American Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. Bryant is a decorated defensive lineman, but that is only half the story. He is a vocal leader who rose to team captain of both a traditional powerhouse SEC school and after a few practices, the UCF Golden Knights. UCF publisher Brandon Helwig asked the Big Kat how he thought the roster would stack up against the SEC schools:
It may have been out of loyalty to Malzahn, but he seemed eager to call out his former school and twist the knife by reminding them of the 2017 Peach Bowl loss to the Golden Knights in the same interview. His fierce willingness to speak out on behalf of his head coach and his rise to positions of leadership demonstrate a strength of character that should be attractive to NFL teams.
Big Kat Bryant has a high motor. He often wins his assignments by sheer hustle and second effort. He jumps out on defense, combining fluid footwork with good snap anticipation to beat linemen off the edge. He is very physical and is a good run and chase defender. He has strong hands and is good at getting quick penetration.
Despite good footwork, he does not change direction quickly and when he lines up inside instead of on the edge, he is often late off the snap. His inconsistent pad level can cause him to be driven back and be driven out of the play. He is a one speed runner, which for him is all out, but he is often stiff and upright.
The Big Kat’s aggressive motor and his desire to fight for every inch, coupled with his ability as a leader will endear him to teammates and should translate to a solid special teams’ contributor while he improves his edge technique and gains the consistency to be an every down player.
The Steelers have two exceptional edge rushers in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. With the departure of Taco Charlton, a developmental edge player with a high motor that can contribute on special teams may be an ideal combination for the Black and Gold in the 5th round.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is it time for the Steelers to adopt a Big Kat? Please comment below and tell me what you think or hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @thebubbas.
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
In what was supposed to be his senior year at Auburn, Bryant was named a team captain and made Second Team All-SEC as an edge rusher in Gus Malzahn’s swan song season. He started for Auburn for two years, totaled 10 sacks and 2 interceptions during that time. When Malzahn left Auburn in 2020, UCF pounced on the opportunity to bring in Malzahn and he brought along a 5th year eligible edge rusher who would be named a defensive captain despite only being a new arrival at UCF. Bryant was one of the bright spots on the 9-4 Golden Knights. He started all 13 games and led UCF with 6 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. He earned a spot on the All-American Conference Team, All-American Conference Newcomer of the Year and All-American Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. Bryant is a decorated defensive lineman, but that is only half the story. He is a vocal leader who rose to team captain of both a traditional powerhouse SEC school and after a few practices, the UCF Golden Knights. UCF publisher Brandon Helwig asked the Big Kat how he thought the roster would stack up against the SEC schools:
It may have been out of loyalty to Malzahn, but he seemed eager to call out his former school and twist the knife by reminding them of the 2017 Peach Bowl loss to the Golden Knights in the same interview. His fierce willingness to speak out on behalf of his head coach and his rise to positions of leadership demonstrate a strength of character that should be attractive to NFL teams.
Strengths
Big Kat Bryant has a high motor. He often wins his assignments by sheer hustle and second effort. He jumps out on defense, combining fluid footwork with good snap anticipation to beat linemen off the edge. He is very physical and is a good run and chase defender. He has strong hands and is good at getting quick penetration.
Weaknesses
Despite good footwork, he does not change direction quickly and when he lines up inside instead of on the edge, he is often late off the snap. His inconsistent pad level can cause him to be driven back and be driven out of the play. He is a one speed runner, which for him is all out, but he is often stiff and upright.
Draft Projection: 115th to 150th
The Big Kat’s aggressive motor and his desire to fight for every inch, coupled with his ability as a leader will endear him to teammates and should translate to a solid special teams’ contributor while he improves his edge technique and gains the consistency to be an every down player.
Bottom Line for the Steelers
The Steelers have two exceptional edge rushers in T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. With the departure of Taco Charlton, a developmental edge player with a high motor that can contribute on special teams may be an ideal combination for the Black and Gold in the 5th round.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Is it time for the Steelers to adopt a Big Kat? Please comment below and tell me what you think or hit me up on Twitter or Instagram @thebubbas.
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
