Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant got some very good news during the 2026 draft, and he could not contain himself. Bryant is just one year removed from living out his own draft dream, selected by the Broncos with the 74th overall pick in 2025.
This offseason, he will get to help his friend and former college teammate, Miles Scott, find his way in the league with Denver.
Bryant and Scott’s reunion is not the only one the Broncos are hosting, either.
Pat Bryant Sends Strong Message After Broncos Draft Miles Scott
New Denver Broncos safety Miles Scott was a teammate of wide receiver Pat Bryant’s in college at Illinois.
“My brother!” Bryant posted on X on April 25 in reaction to the news the Broncos drafted Scott. “Came to college together now we hooping in the league. [“100” emoji]”
The Broncos selected Scott in the seventh round with the 246th overall pick.
“Broooo it’s crazyyy!!” Bryant said, per Guerilla Sports’ Brandon Krisztal on April 25. “He came in to Illinois with me my freshman year. That’s like my brother, great player but even better person!”
ESPN’s Jeff Legwold noted Scott’s history as a wide receiver. He also noted that Scott had 37 starts in his 55 games with the Illini at safety and has the kind of skill set the Broncos like.
That could help him earn a roster or practice squad slot.
“At 6-foot, 1/4-inch tall and 203 pounds, Scott was not invited to the combine, but he’s a converted wide receiver who played 55 games for the Fighting Illini with 37 starts at safety over the past three seasons,” Legwold wrote.
“The Broncos like safety prospects who can play both spots — strong and free — and see Scott with that potential in their defense. He ran a 4.62-second 40-yard dash at his pro day but has length and plays with anticipation. Broncos also zero in on team captains as well and he was a captain for the Illini.”
Miles Scott’s Fit in Broncos’ Secondary
GettyNew Denver Broncos safety Miles Scott must make his mark in a deep position group.
The pre-draft scouting report on Scott suggests he could struggle in coverage, particularly when lined up deeper in the defensive backfield.
“Scott has a thick muscular build and good functional strength,” Scouts Inc wrote. “He is instinctive in run support, with impressive closing speed to finish the ball carrier. Though Scott is productive in pursuit, he is at his best when making tackles in the box. In man coverage, he is good at playing with physicality to disrupt the timing of the receiver’s route. He has good ball skills, totaling seven interceptions in his career.”
He joins a deep group.
The Broncos have starters Brandon Jones, who is in the final year of his contract, and Talanoa Hufanga. They also have All-Pro special teamer Devon Key and fellow reserve safeties JL Skinner and Tycen Anderson.
Scott will have to prove his worth to earn a spot on the Broncos’ practice squad, let alone the 53-man roster.
Broncos Bring Brothers Back Together
GettyFormer Nebraska wide receiver Dane Key joins his brother on the Denver Broncos.
Like Bryant and Scott, Key is also enjoying a reunion. Key’s is with his brother, former Nebraska wide receiver Dane Key.
Despite also facing an uphill battle for a roster spot at a deep position, Key is very confident, with The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reporting the rookie said fans will “be watching two Keys this year.”
Key faces an even larger group of challengers for a spot. Several, like Bryant’s, are spoken for.
Ditto for two-time Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton, offseason trade acquisition Jaylen Waddle, and recent draft picks Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin.
Players like Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy may not enjoy the same level of job security as that group, but they have proven themselves to the Broncos and head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos, who also signed Cam Ross as a UDFA, are loaded at WR with Bryant and Co.
Pat Bryant Gets Honest After Broncos Make Roster Decision