In today’s NFL where passing the ball to elite weapons on the outside is important to moving the ball, excellent defensive back play is always at a premium. Today’s report dives into a cornerback who’s leading a resurgence in excellent defensive back play at a hardwood powerhouse.
Coming from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Cobee was a three star recruit coming out of high school. When he arrived at Kansas, he immediately showed his impact, receiving All Big 12 First Team Honors in his Sophomore and Junior seasons. This shows a clear pattern of development and that he is rapidly ascending to a top tier cornerback amongst his peers.
In his freshman season versus Texas, he recorded two interceptions, including one key pick that was taken to the house in an overtime victory.
His sophomore season saw him snag an additional 3 interceptions, with one locking a victory up for Kansas against West Virginia, again in overtime. His junior outing saw him notch another 2 interceptions and a fumble he forced and took to the house, showing that he has a knack for being a ball hawk and always coming up huge when the lights are on bright.
Player Info
Name: Cobee Bryant
Jersey: No. 2
Position: Cornerback
School: University of Kansas
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 175 lbs.
Cobee Bryant’s Strengths
It’s already been said, but it bears mentioning again, he has exceptional ball skills and instincts to always be around the ball and create turnovers and momentum changing plays in times when his team needs it.
He also shows very fluid hips and a quick change of direction, allowing him to be very effective in man coverage situations. He also is a versatile defensive back, playing both outside along the boundary and inside as the slot corner, which will only increase his value as we work through the draft cycle.
In addition, he also adds special teams experience, as he has had a touchdown on a blocked kick, adding even more value as a player.
Cobee Bryant’s Weaknesses
It’s not all good for Cobee, at 170 pounds, he is extremely light for the position, which could lead to difficult matchups versus larger receivers, especially in press coverage situations.
He shows no fear in mixing it up in the run game and tackling defenders, but his overall technique needs to be adjusted and refined, as his overall technique and aggression lead to missed tackles, poor angles towards the ball carrier. With his undersized frame, he can also be pushed around in the run game, so ensuring he has the proper technique is even more important.
Draft Projection
With Cobee, the biggest issue for him will be his overall size and frame profile. For some teams, he will be completely off their board. For others, they’ll see a guy who has the ability to create turnovers, shadow receivers, and add value in the slot as well as on special teams as well.
I have Cobee as a 4th round selection to a team who is needing a slot cornerback or ballhawk in the defensive backfield, as well as could use some help on special teams. Some good fits for Cobee:
- Buffalo Bills (The bills could stand to get younger and more talented in the defensive back room, and Cobee in McDermott’s Defense would be a treat.)
- Washington Commanders (Pairing Bryant in this defense ran by Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr would allow Bryant to show his playmaking ability in spades.)
- Indianapolis Colts (This would be my favorite fit, as this meets a need for the Colts, as well as gets them a talented cornerback inside and out, as well as on special teams. A defense with Latu as Edge rusher and Bryant as cornerback? Sign me up.)
While Cobee Bryant’s frame may give some teams pause, one team will call his name during the 2025 NFL Draft, and make the rest of the league look crazy for passing on this young man, as his ball skills will allow him to make plays for his new team, early and often.
