Desmond

Bryant

We love it. Bryant shows a relentless motor, can both rush the passer and stuff the run, possesses scheme versatility at 6-foot-6, 300 with athleticism, and played his college ball at Harvard. Cleveland’s 3-4 front seven is coming together with Bryant and Ahtyba Rubin likely on the ends, Phil Taylor at nose tackle, and Paul Kruger and Jabaal Sheard as rush ‘backers. The inside linebackers project to be D’Qwell Jackson and James-Michael Johnson. Looks good to us.

An on-the-rise defensive lineman who just turned 27, Bryant is the exact kind of player the rebuilding Raiders shouldn’t have let get away, but they have just $75 million to spend for 2013 thanks to an incomprehensible $48 million in dead money. Bryant was scooped up on day one of free agency. He also drew interest from the 49ers. Bryant is going to be a difference maker in Cleveland.

As predicted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Warren didn’t survive the offseason with a $5.925 million roster bonus due next week. Though he can still get after quarterbacks, the 32-year-old has been a major liability against the run. Desmond Bryant is expected to take his place in the starting lineup.

Big Ben had some big words for the interior lineman, who didn’t take kindly to the trash talk. Desmond Bryant will play the majority of snaps in place of Seymour. The situation has gotten salty in Pittsburgh, as skirmishes have peppered the first half.

In a bit of shocking news, the Raiders have actually made a solid personnel move. Henderson’s pass rushing skills are declining but he can still stuff the run at age 31. He’s been a 4-3 lineman for his entire career and there’s little risk here thanks to the one-year deal. He could also play some end in a 3-4 if the Raiders end up shifting that way.

The Raiders also tendered restricted free agent DE Desmond Bryant. Keeping Reece was a priority for the Raiders after he caught a combined 52 passes for 634 yards the past two seasons. With Michael Bush expected to depart via free agency, it’s possible Reece will see his role in the running game grow in 2012.

He’ll be eligible for 2013 unrestricted free agency, at which point Bryant could be a sneaky big-ticket target for 3-4 teams. At 6-foot-5, 290, Bryant has developed into a disruptive defensive lineman capable of playing both tackle and end. He’ll be a swing player behind Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly this year.

The trip to the hospital was deemed precautionary. Coming into Sunday, Bryant had 10 tackles and no sacks as a rotational lineman.

Bryant was rushed to the hospital at halftime of last week’s loss after experiencing an accelerated heartbeat. He spent the night in the hospital as a precaution, but everything checked out fine. Bryant has been cleared to play against the Ravens Sunday.

The recently-arrested defensive tackle would be an intriguing fit for new DC Ray Horton’s aggressive 3-4 defense. An under-the-radar force in Oakland last season, Bryant is unlikely to be back with the cap-strapped Raiders.