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Clemson Football: Austin Bryant’s draft stock should increase after injury announcement

By Andrew Boardwine

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Austin Bryant #7 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. Clemson defeated Notre Dame 30-3. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Austin Bryant #7 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with teammates after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the College Football Playoff Semifinal Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. Clemson defeated Notre Dame 30-3. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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It was reported Monday morning that former Clemson football defensive end Austin Bryant would be out of the NFL Combine due to an injury.

NFL Network Analyst Ian Rapoport reported Monday morning that former Clemson football defensive end Austin Bryant had surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle in January. He sustained the injury on Saturday, Nov. 3 against the Louisville Cardinals.

Because of the surgery, Bryant will not be able to participate in the drills of the NFL Combine, which is slated to begin Tuesday.

Despite not being able to showcase his physical skills at the combine, Bryant will still be able to participate in the interview process.

The typical recovery time for an injury like this is around 4-6 weeks. Bryant could be back to 100 percent before the summer.

Normally, an injury hurts a player’s draft stock, but in this case, I truly believe that this injury should increase Austin Bryant’s draft stock exponentially.

The type of player you look for…

Because of the grind of an NFL season and the small roster, organizations need players that are willing and able to play through injury.

Bryant didn’t just prove that he could play through an injury. He proved that he could do it without the world knowing it and still perform at a high level. Before getting hurt, Bryant had six tackles for loss and three sacks.

Post-injury, he came away with nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. That’s extremely impressive.

If an organization can’t appreciate an athlete’s toughness and will to continue playing, then they probably aren’t a winning organization. How many guys would’ve sat out the rest of the season? Honestly, they would’ve had good reason to.

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But, Bryant decided he wanted to play. He wanted to give it all for Clemson football and help will the Tigers to a National Championship. He didn’t complain and he didn’t take any time off. He went through the season just as he had before and because of that, I think you’re going to see Bryant’s draft stock increase.

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