It's no secret that the Patriots offensive line was a trouble spot in 2024. With that in mind, the team drafted three – Campbell, Bryant and Georgia center Jared Wilson (fourth round) – and signed veteran right tackle Morgan Moses. The message those moves sent is clear – jobs are available to be won.
As a seventh-round pick, Bryant isn't likely to find himself in the mix for a starting job at the outset, but he will get every opportunity to find a role as a backup swing tackle with a strong camp.
"He's pretty unique," Jones concluded. "He has some similarities with \[Miami second-year tackle\] Patrick Paul. His point of emphasis will be improving his run blocking, but he seldom gets beaten in pass protection.
"He has to continue to stay the course. He's motivated and hungry. He won't waste this opportunity."
**Marcus Bryant** T, 6-7, 320 Missouri Round Rock, Texas
7th round, 220th overall
**Strengths**: Great size and length for position … Above average athleticism … Powerful upper body … Shows quickness in handling outside rushers … Good punch and timing in pass protection … Has the ability and footwork to stay with speed rushers off the edge.
**Weaknesses**: Height leads to trouble with his knee bend at times … Doesn't control defenders after initial strike … High pad level makes it difficult to get to second level … Lacks timing in getting to second level … Struggles with twists in pass protection … Tends to lean at the waist and loses balance in his sets.
**Personal**: First love was basketball but made the switch to football as he grew … Spent first four years of his college career at SMU, where he started 29 of 42 games for the Mustangs … Named first-team All-American Athletic Conference in 2023 … Interested in acting and pursued an on-screen career as a child. Appeared in commercials for a Law Office while at SMU … Brother Marcel plays basketball at Division I Prairie View A&M … Starred at Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas … Twitter handle is @marcus\_bryant52.
**Comparable NFL player**: Patrick Paul, T, Miami – Styles and sizes are similar, and both are considered stronger in pass protection.