By ROBERT CESSNATexas A&M defensive tackle Red Bryant has big shoes to fill, but he's ready to give it his best shot.
The Seattle Seahawks picked the 6-foot-5, 322-pounder in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Sunday. Seattle would settle for duplication of what happened when it drafted A&M defensive lineman Jacob Green in 1980. Green, who was an All-American, played 12 seasons for the Seahawks and is in the team's Ring of Honor.
Bryant knows all about the accomplishments of Green, who soon will be his father-in-law. Bryant is engaged to Green's daughter, Janelle.
"Words cannot describe what I'm feeling today," Bryant said during a teleconference from Green's house. "I'm ready to get down there and go to work. And hopefully, I will be able to play at the level Mr. Green was able to play."
Bryant had a solid senior season, making 46 tackles after missing four games as a junior.
"We wanted to get someone inside and we still wanted to get the right pass-rusher than be an every down kind of player," Seattle defensive coordinator John Marshall said. "No. 1, [Bryant's] country ... and I love country. He's a big-bodied man that can run. He plays the game hard, he can dominate the inside. I think people right now would say he's a run-stopper. The thing I don't agree with is a lot people say he just plays on the line of scrimmage, he's not a penetrating kind of guy. But he can be that kind of guy."
Bryant's stock rose with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, said Scott Wright of NFLDraftCountdown.com.
"There's a lot of misleading information going around saying I'm just a run-stuffer, but I feel like with NFL coaching, I'll be able to use my hands a lot better and be a more efficient pass-rusher," Bryant said. "I just feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of my playing abilities and I don't feel like I have anything to prove to other people -- I just feel like I have a lot to prove to myself. I'm glad the Seattle Seahawks thought enough of me to give me the opportunity, and I'm going to make sure I make good on it."
Bryant was among four Aggies drafted Sunday. Center Cody Wallace (6-4, 296) went first in the fourth round to San Francisco with the 107th pick, just ahead of Bryant, who was the 121st selection. Defensive end Chris Harrington (6-5, 268) went to Arizona in the sixth round with the 185th pick. Tackle Corey Clark (6-6, 326) went to San Diego in the seventh round with the 234th pick.
A&M tight end Martellus Bennett was taken by Dallas in the second round Saturday. It was the most players A&M had selected since 2003 when six Aggies were drafted.
Aggies who were eligible for the draft who could sign free-agent contracts include fullback Chris Alexander, cornerback Marquis Carpenter, wide receiver/kick returner Kerry Franks, defensive back Stephen Hodge, defensive tackle Henry Smith, wide receiver Earvin Taylor, tight end Joey Thomas and linebacker Misi Tupe.
Wallace caught the eye of San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan at the Senior Bowl.
"I tried to kid around with him but I found out quickly he was pretty serious," Nolan said. "I like that about him."
Wallace saw some action at guard in the Senior Bowl for 49ers' offensive line coach George Warhop, but he was drafted to play center.
"I just try to play as hard as I can the whole time, and that's probably one of the main things I bring, but I still have a lot to learn and a lot to try to improve on," Wallace said.
The Cardinals drafted Harrington to play linebacker.
"Coach [Ken] Whisenhunt said he liked my motor, he liked how I rush the passer and get of the ball and how I play," Harrington said. "So I think he wants me to play that outside linebacker spot."
Harrington played out of a two-point stance at times in A&M's 4-2-5 base alignment, making 58 tackles last year.
"I have been working on [standing up]," Harrington said. "Teams were talking to me about playing that outside linebacker spot so I have been working on dropping and coming off the ball and things like that."
Clark played on the left side and right side of A&M's offensive line, which impressed the Chargers.
"He's a height, weight and speed guy that played in a good league against good competition every week," said Buddy Nix, San Diego's director of player personnel. "He's an effort guy and a good character guy. He's got the size and the intangibles to make a run at it."
• Robert Cessna's e-mail address is robert.cessna@theeagle.com.
AGGIES TAKEN IN NFL DRAFT
• TE Martellus Bennett, second round to Dallas
• Cody Wallace, fourth round to San Francisco
• DT Red Bryant, fourth round to Seattle
• DE Chris Harrington, sixth round to Arizona
• OT Corey Clark, seventh round to San Diego
Notice about comments:
TheEagle.com is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. TheEagle.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not theeagle.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Full terms and conditions can be read here.
