Seattle Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant appears to be settling nicely into a potential new role in the team’s defensive backfield.
Based on his usage during Seattle’s 24-13 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in their preseason opener, Bryant appears ready for a positional switch to safety this season. The Cincinnati product was one of the Seahawks’ standout performers in the first half, logging four solo tackles, as well as landing a big hit on Vikings receiver Jalen Reagor over the middle. Bryant showcased both the field awareness and physicality necessary for success at the position.
Still, the new path for Bryant in the Seahawks secondary may not be smoothly paved. Originally drafted by the Seahawks in the fourth round (No. 109 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft, Bryant was seen as a high-level prospect at cornerback. As a rookie, Bryant appeared in all 17 games and started six. He recorded two sacks, 70 total tackles, four passes defended, and four forced fumbles.
However, the 24-year-old found himself slipping within Seattle’s cornerback depth chart after their selection of fellow cornerback Devon Witherspoon with the No. 5 overall pick in April's draft. Though a switch to safety seems to be a logical move, Bryant faces some significant competition. Unlikely to unseat presumed starters Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs, Bryant’s best hope for securing the third spot within the positional grouping is besting veteran Julian Love, who signed with Seattle as a free agent in the offseason. According to The Draft Network, Bryant’s mission is not likely to be an easy task, either financially or logistically.
“Love signed a two-year contract worth $12 million with the Seahawks in the offseason,” wrote TDN. “Love’s annual average salary of $6 million indicates the Seahawks have plans to utilize him at safety and at nickel. Bryant won’t be handed a role, but his standout presentation against the Vikings could help him close the gap in his head-to-head competition with Love.”
Regardless of where he aligns, Bryant is proving his worth to a Seattle secondary in need of some strength. Should he continue to perform at a high level, coach Pete Carroll and the Seahawks brass may have some intriguing decisions to make in the coming days.
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