Coby Bryant
Summary
Coby Bryant was selected in the 4th Round (#109 Overall) in the 2022 Draft out of University of Cincinnati. Bryant is a strong young defensive back whose strengths lie in his instincts, playmaking ability, versatility, and physical tackling. He has already demonstrated that he can produce at the NFL level in a starting role. His areas of improvement—agility/quickness, technique polish, and handling more physical matchups—are manageable and typical for a player still early in his pro career. With continued development, he carries the profile of a rising impact defender rather than a limited specialty piece.
Strengths
Instincts, ball‑skills and playmaking ability: At Cincinnati he showcased strong coverage instincts: in 2021 he recorded multiple interceptions, forced fumbles, and several touchdowns off turnovers. In the NFL, Bryant’s 2024 campaign featured three interceptions (including a 69‑yard pick‑six) and 73 total tackles across 17 games, showing his knack for big plays. NFL Draft Buzz
Versatility and positional adaptability: Although drafted as a cornerback, Bryant has made the transition to safety, demonstrating the range to drop into zones, cover in space, and also come up in run support. His athletic profile (good size + mobility) allows him to be used in a variety of defensive alignments and roles.
Physicality & tackling ability: Despite being a smaller defender than some box safeties, Bryant does not shy away from contact. He has shown he can come up, make tackles in space, and contribute against the run. NFL Draft Buzz
Rapid improvement and trajectory: His shift from part‑time/special teams contributor to a full starter with significant production in 2024 shows an upward developmental trend. CBS Sports
Weaknesses
Change of direction, fluidity and agility in coverage: At the draft level, scouts noted that while Bryant has good straight‑line speed and instincts, his short‑area agility, hip fluidity, and ability to mirror very quick or twitchy receivers were rated only average. Can be susceptible to sharper change‑of‑direction moves or being caught reacting late. NFL Draft Buzz
Recovery speed / pure deep one‑on‑one speed concerns: Although Bryant is solid in a lot of situations, his top‑end burst may not match the very fastest receivers, which can limit his ability to cover ultra‑deep threats or recover when beaten off the line. NFL Draft Buzz
Inconsistencies & polish in technique: In early parts of his career, he had moments where his footwork, backpedal transition, and alignment awareness needed refinement—particularly when shifting between corner and safety roles. As he takes on full starting duties, sustained consistency in all‑down usage is still a work in progress. NFL Draft Buzz
Run‑defense size and physical matchup limitations: At 193 lbs and 6′1″, Bryant is lighter than many traditional box safeties or hybrid linebackers tasked with heavy‑run duties. Some matchups versus physical tight ends or bigger backs may expose that size limitation. While willing, developing his ability to finish blocks, shed bigger bodies, and anchor in heavy‑run situations will elevate his value further.
Fit & Outlook
Bryant projects as a starting safety with above‑average upside in the Seahawks’ defense. He best fits in a scheme that allows him to roam, read, roam space, and make plays rather than being locked into purely deep‑center or box‑only roles. As a key piece in nickel or sub‑package fronts where his coverage + tackling ability combine effectively. If he continues his upward trend—refining his technique, increasing his physicality, improving his change‑of‑direction and recovery—he has the potential to become a top‑tier safety rather than just a solid starter.