3 under-the-radar cornerbacks the Carolina Panthers could draft in 2022

Carolina Panthers could select Coby Bryant (Cincinnati)

Measurements

• Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 193 pounds

2021 Stats

• 2 interceptions
• 11 passes defended
• 44 total tackles
• 1.5 tackles for loss
• 86.7 PFF grade

Not to be confused with the late and great Kobe Bryant, Coby Bryant was one of the many players that had a career year on the Cinncinatti Bearcats. The season may have ended with a loss against Alabama in the college football playoffs, but the cornerback and his team achieved many great things in 2021.

The four-year starter in Cinncinatti was a steady feature in one of the most winningest programs in the last half-decade. Bryant played across from Sauce Gardner each of the last three seasons and both were crucial to the success of the Bearcats’ defense, which was 10th best in the FBS last season.

Bryant shows off very strong hands in coverage and in tackling. He forced two fumbles in 2021, and his arm length throws off receivers and tips passes even when he is not tight on the receiver.

Quarterbacks throwing to their receivers when Bryant is in trail coverage will likely not complete the pass unless it’s picture-perfect. The lanky corner also has great body control in one-on-one deep scenarios, and he possesses great awareness of where the play is going, no matter if it is a run or a pass.

Bryant’s downside is the fact that he will get overly physical after five yards. In the pass-happy NFL, he will probably get called for interference more than he would want to.

Nevertheless, he provides good ability when isolated in coverage.

Bryant is projected to go somewhere late on Day 2. If the Carolina Panthers acquire draft capital via a trade up or down, they would benefit by selecting the hard-nosed defensive back.