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Wendell Bryant
SELECTED BY NEW YORK , ROUND 1, PICK 12, OVERALL PICK 12
DT | (6-4, 308, 4.83) | Wisconsin
By Pro Football WeeklyNotes: Has been clocked in the low 4.8s with some 4.7s on a very fast surface, but most of his clockings on that surface have been in the 4.93 range. An all-state player in Missouri who enrolled at Wisconsin in 1998. Played in 12 games and started two as an 18-year-old true freshman. Came into his own in '99, when he was an All-Big Ten pick by the coaches and a second-team All-Conference selection by the media. Won All-Big Ten honors from the coaches and co-Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year honors from the coaches. Was also a semifinalist for the Lombardi Trophy in 2000, but was just an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick by the media. Won All-Big Ten honors and made numerous All-America teams in '01. Had 24 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks in 1998; 48-9-7 in '99; 43-10-6 in 2000 and 69-17-8 in '01.Positives: Has an excellent size-speed ratio and may be able to add a little more weight if he really hits the weights. Is a very good natural athlete who is very well-coordinated. Can work his hands and feet in unison. Is a smart, alert football player who has quick hands and feet, good agility and natural explosiveness. Will show ability as an inside rusher. Is very quick off the ball and almost sudden at times. Shows good instincts and reactions most of the time. Can be very disruptive when he gets into gaps. Versatile. At times he will play end and rush from the outside. Can play left end on the next level or either end spot in a 3-4 defense.Negatives: Needs to spend more time in the weight room and improve his upper-body strength. Lacks a warrior's mentality. Got really frustrated by being double-teamed and held so much in '01, and at times, like in the Illinois game, seemed to let the double-team beat him down and cause him to lose his intensity. Best game in '01 was the Penn State game, in which he hardly ever was double-teamed. However, in other games, he seemed to have his motor going at full speed only in spurts. May be a little too nice and easygoing. Likes to have fun and rarely shows a mean streak or that he can be ruthless. Has always been praised and does not handle criticism well.Summary: Bryant has the size-speed ratio and ability to become a premier defensive lineman in the NFL, but he must improve his mental toughness and become more of a warrior to realize his potential.* Player biographies are provided by Pro Football Weekly.
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