A season-ending injury didn’t affect Christian Bryant’s draft status. The Buckeye safety was taken in the seventh round, 241st overall, by the Rams, where he’s likely destined for a special teams role.
Bryant only played five games in 2013 after suffering a broken ankle in the final minute of the Wisconsin game. Urban Meyer famously slammed his hand on the podium during his post-game press conference when he learned of the injury.
In April, Meyer admitted the loss of Bryant had a significant impact on Ohio State’s national championship hopes. Bryant was the team’s second leading tackler at the time on the injury.
Bryant didn’t participate at Pro Day because he still wasn’t 100 percent healed.
“It’s all progress,” he said. “I just want to show them I’m back at 100 percent and can cut and break and didn’t lose a step. Maybe I even gained a step or two with this comeback.”
Bryant’s small 5-foot-10 frame drew concern from scouts. But he stated his case for why it should be irrelevant.
“If you look at the safeties in the NFL, the best safeties aren’t even above six feet,” Bryant said. “It’s not really about the physical attributes. I feel it’s about how you prepare for a game and how you attack the whole situation. You’ve got to be fearless out there.”
Despite missing more than half the season, Bryant was still selected as a permanent captain.
St. Louis Rams!!! God is Great!!
— Christian Bryant (@2CBryant) May 10, 2014
