From Underrated to Unignorable: Cobee Bryant’s Rise to NFL Draft Day
From a lightly recruited 3-star prospect to one of the most talked-about defensive backs in the 2025 draft class, Cobee Bryant’s journey is proof that hard work, instincts, and self-belief can turn doubters into believers. It wasn’t long ago that Bryant was flying under the radar. Now, with the NFL Draft just around the corner, his name is steadily climbing up boards—and for good reason. A ball-hawking corner with a receiver’s instincts, Bryant’s game is built on film study, physicality, and a mindset shaped by years of being doubted. We caught up with the former Jayhawk star as he prepares to take the leap from college to the NFL.
Team Interest & Scheme Fit
NFL teams are clearly paying attention. Bryant told us he’s had Top-30 visits with the Falcons, Vikings, Chargers, and 49ers. For those unfamiliar, Top-30 visits are reserved for players a team is seriously evaluating, and Bryant’s presence on that list says a lot. He’s firmly in the Day 2 conversation and viewed as an immediate starter.
One fit that stands out to me personally is Minnesota. I’m a big fan of Brian Flores’ defensive system. It’s aggressive, heavy on the blitz, and leans on zone coverage with smart, instinctive defensive backs. It’s a setup where Bryant’s instincts and ball skills would shine. While he didn’t go into scheme specifics with his Vikings visit, the fact that they brought him in is a strong sign that teams see his versatility translating in their defense.
Daily Grind Toward Draft Day
To get a better view of what daily life is like for athletes leading up to the draft, we asked Bryant what his average day looks like right now. It’s clear he’s locked in.
“I’ve been training every day, just locked in on getting bigger and stronger,” he said. “I’m up to 184 pounds now, and I feel like all the work I’ve put in is showing. It’s been a grind, but I’ve stayed consistent.”
Bryant’s gained about 10 pounds since his last season at Kansas, addressing one of the few concerns scouts had about his frame. There’s no question he’s been putting in the work to make sure his body’s ready for the league.
This is the kind of story we love. The underdog. Someone chasing his dream and pouring 100% of everything they have into the craft. To get into the head of someone with a new world in front of them, Bryant took us through his mindset as he steps into the biggest moment of his football life so far.
“Words can’t even explain how crazy this all feels. I earned this—I put the work in every single day to get to this point. Coming from Kansas, people always doubted me and my team. That just fueled me even more. My mindset every game was to prove I’m one of the best. That’s what led to me becoming a 3x First-Team All-Big 12—the first in school history to do that. Now I’m just staying locked in and mentally preparing for rookie camp.”
It’s rare to hear that kind of calm, earned confidence. No gimmicks, no ego—just a guy who knows how far he’s come and isn’t done yet.
Mentality & Motivation
One thing you pick up on quickly when talking to Bryant is that he plays and talks with a chip on his shoulder. Where some might fold under pressure, he’s emerged as a diamond in the rough type of player. That edge shows up in moments like his breakout performance against Houston in 2024, where he tied the Kansas school record with three interceptions in one game. We asked Bryant what that performance meant to him and what he remembers most from that day.
“Man, what really stuck with me is what happened before the game. Somebody called me and said I was projected as a 6th-round pick. I knew that wasn’t true, but it lit a fire in me,” Bryant said. “I took that personally and used it as motivation to go out there and prove I’m one of the best in the country. That game meant a lot—it was a statement.”
This should come as no surprise for those familiar with his game. A four-sport athlete at Hillcrest High School in Alabama, Bryant split his time between football, basketball, track, and baseball. He played both receiver and cornerback, a combination that helped mold the ballhawk we see today.
“I played wide receiver in high school, so I’ve always had a feel for how QBs want to place the ball and how receivers run their routes,” he said. “That background really helps me when it comes to jumping routes and making plays. A lot of it is just instincts, honestly—it’s something I’ve always had.”
That instinct shows up all over the tape. In 2024 alone, Bryant had 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, 3.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and 37 total tackles in 12 games. He’s not afraid to get physical either, throwing his body around in run support and filling his assignments with confidence.
What’s Next Off the Field?
We wrapped up by asking Bryant what’s next off the field, or if there’s anyone he wanted to shout out. Right now, it’s all about staying focused, but he made sure to show love to the Rock Chalk faithful.
“Right now I’m just focused on staying locked in and getting ready for what’s next. Rock Chalk all the way—I rep Kansas heavy, and I’m carrying that pride into the league.”
Embracing the “Rock Chalk” mantra, he carries the pride of Kansas into his future endeavors, ready to represent his alma mater at the highest level. Bryant’s mix of production, confidence, and football instincts make him one of the most intriguing DBs in the 2025 draft class. He has the tools and mindset to contribute early and potentially outperform wherever he lands. Don’t be surprised if his name comes off the board earlier than expected.
Could Cobee Bryant be one of the biggest steals of the draft?
Stats/Measures
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 184 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.56 seconds
- 12 Games, 37 Tackles, 3.5 TFL, .5 Sack, 4 INT, 11 PBU, 1 FF
- Games Started: 46
- 3-star recruit in the 2020 class (247Sports)
- 2024 Unanimous First Team All-Big 12; AFCA Coaches Second Team All-America
- 2023: First Team All-Big 12
- 2022: First Team All-Big 12
Scouting Profile: For a full scouting breakdown on Bryant’s strengths, weaknesses, and NFL projection, check out Bleacher Report’s detailed profile here.
Editor’s Note: All player quotes were transcribed directly from our interview and lightly edited for clarity and flow, with the player’s intent and tone fully preserved.