Austin Bryant selected by Lions

Former Clemson defensive lineman Austin Bryant became the fourth member of the Tiger starting defensive line to be chosen in the 2019 NFL Draft, as he was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 117th pick in the fourth round.

Former Clemson defensive lineman Austin Bryant became the fourth member of the Tiger starting defensive line to be chosen in the 2019 NFL Draft, as he was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 117th pick in the fourth round.

Bryant was part of Clemson’s two-deep rotation for his entire career, completing his time as a Tiger with 153 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 20.0 sacks, 32 quarterback pressures, four pass breakups, two caused fumbles and an interception in 1,807 snaps over 51 games (29 starts) in his career. 

He earned Outstanding Defensive Player honors in the CFP Semifinal at the Cotton Bowl Classic in the midst of Clemson’s undefeated 2018 campaign.

According to the NFL, Bryant is a "Long-limbed base end with moldable potential as a rusher, but a lack of play strength and balance finds him on the ground way too often. Bryant offers potential as a rangy edge rusher with the length to separate and turn the corner, but he might not offer up enough rush talent to overcome his struggles in holding the point against the run. He has starter's traits and backup talent, but he could end up as a future starter if he gets his strength right."