South Carolina Football: Ranking the greatest Gamecock hidden gems in NFL Draft history
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football's Greatest NFL Draft Hidden Gems:
No. 2 Cornerback Bobby Bryant
A player from "way back," Bobby Bryant (Round 7, Pick 167; Minnesota Vikings; 1967 NFL Draft) was the first of the great Gamecock defensive backs to have a big professional career, as well. He played his entire 13 years in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings and is considered one of the top players in franchise history.
Bryant missed his entire first season with an injury, but he established himself as a fan favorite the following year as a key reserve on the Purple People Eaters defense. He became entrenched as a starter and didn't give up the role for the rest of his career (other than when he was injured). He was a multi-time Pro Bowler and made an All-Pro squad.
With 51 career interceptions in a non-passing era, Bryant was in the top-10 all-time in picks when he retired after the 1980 season. He was one of just a few Vikings to play in all four of their Super Bowl appearances.
Bryant and safety Paul Krause played next to each other for 12 seasons, and they are viewed as one of the best corner-safety combos of the era. Many believe that Bobby Bryant belongs alongside Paul Krause in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bryant is one of the best 7th round picks in NFL history.