KC Chiefs: 2019 NFL Draft prospects to watch in National Championship
By John McCarty
AUSTIN BRYANT – EDGE (CLEMSON)
Clemson entered the 2018 season with all four of their defensive lineman returning and honestly, it wouldn’t be crazy if all four starters wound up being first round picks. While three definitely could be, there’s one that is less likely to go in round one, and that’s Austin Bryant.
Perhaps a product of the quality play next to him, Bryant lacks the quick burst and get off at the snap to be an effective, every down pass rusher at the next level. More an edge setter than play maker, Bryant, while rarely out of position, is often more ‘in the area’ of the play then the player himself making the play.
At 265 pounds, he is not big enough to continue with his hand in the dirt for a team that deploys a 3-4 defensive scheme similar to what the Chiefs do.
It will be interesting to see what happens and where Bryant lands. A developmental defensive end in a 4-3 scheme could be the best option for him. A team however may look at him as a developmental EDGE in a scheme similar to the Chiefs.
If an organization believed Tanoh Kpassagnon and Breeland Speaks could be outside pass rushers, another team likely will believe the same. If Bryant is available in the middle rounds, he’s worth a flyer.