The Slightly Personal Podcast: 2024 NFL Draft Prospect Ben Bryant, QB, Northwestern
Ben Bryant is a talented quarterback hailing from the University of Northwestern. Originally a Cincinnati Bearcat, Bryant transferred to Northwestern after entering the transfer portal, seeking an opportunity to showcase his skills and secure a starting role.
Accuracy and Ball Placement:
Shows impressive accuracy, particularly on short to intermediate routes, leading receivers with pinpoint precision. Displays excellent touch on fade routes and deep balls, placing the ball where only his receiver can make a play.
Pocket Presence and Mobility:
Exhibits poise and awareness in the pocket, demonstrating the ability to feel pressure and manipulate the pocket to find passing lanes. While not a dual-threat quarterback, Bryant possesses adequate mobility to extend plays with his legs and evade pressure when necessary.
Decision Making and Football IQ:
Possesses a high football IQ, making quick and decisive decisions with the football. Displays the ability to go through progressions effectively, identifying mismatches and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Shows an understanding of situational football, knowing when to take risks and when to prioritize ball security.
Leadership and Intangibles:
Known for his leadership qualities both on and off the field, Bryant commands respect from his teammates and leads by example. Possesses a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft, continually striving to improve his game and elevate those around him.
Production and Performance:
Demonstrated success as a starter at the collegiate level, compiling a commendable record and exhibiting resilience in pressure situations. Showed the ability to perform in big moments, delivering clutch plays when needed and displaying mental toughness throughout his collegiate career.
Areas for Improvement:
While Bryant possesses many desirable traits for the quarterback position, he could refine his mechanics, particularly his footwork and release, to improve consistency at the NFL level.
Overall Assessment:
Ben Bryant is a talented quarterback prospect with the potential to succeed at the NFL level. With his size, arm talent, and football IQ, he possesses the tools necessary to compete for a starting role in the league. Bryant’s college starter experience, leadership qualities, and work ethic bode well for his development and potential impact at the next level. While he may require some refinement and adjustment to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, Bryant has the makings of a quarterback capable of leading an NFL offense to success.
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