As the NFL meetings in Orlando, Florida wrap up, Marvin Lewis stops by Florida pro day to take a look at defensive tackle, Taven Bryan.
The NFL meetings are wrapping up in Orlando, Florida as coaches are heading back today but head coach Marvin Lewis took a detour to check out the Florida pro day. Lewis is getting a good look at defensive tackle, Taven Bryan who finished last season with 40 tackles, 6 for a loss, and 4 sacks. The 6’4″, 291-pound lineman played both sides of the ball in high school and had an upper edge on how to attack offensive linemen in college.
His quick first step and speed give him the ability to possibly play defensive end or defensive tackle at the next level. There is plenty of room to put on weight if needed in the NFL and with his skillsets, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him play either position. His quick abilities to get off blocks and rare closing speed make him a great pass rusher. The former Gator has the speed to get to the outside and chase down rushers or get after the quarterback.
The Cincinnati Bengals could use some more talent along the defensive line to better compliment defensive tackle Geno Atkins and defensive end Carlos Dunlap. Even after bringing in defensive tackle Chris Baker and having defensive end Michael Johnson, there is still room for some improvement. Especially if the defense is expected to be bringing some new looks in 2018 to their scheme.
#Bengals HC Marvin Lewis is here watching Taven Bryan. Owners meetings were in Orlando so he probably just made the short trip to Gainesville.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 28, 2018
Most scouts say that Bryan will need some coaching at the next level and he will most likely be a developmental prospect but could still start on many teams. His instincts could improve but his athletic ability to play either interior or exterior along the line is there. A rare talent that could be a versatile piece along a defensive line and be able to move around wherever he is needed.
Here is a great game to watch showing every snap by Bryan against Florida State in 2017 from Draft Breakdown.
Bryan
decimated the combine drills ranking among some of the best
in verticle, broad jump, 3-cone drill, and a great 40-yard dash time for his position at 4.98. While he doesn’t have the sack numbers to get excited about he was one of the best pass rushers in college last year getting consistent pressure on the opposing quarterbacks.
Next: Bengals defense could look different in 2018
The ability to play both the run and the pass should absolutely catch the Bengals attention if Bryan is still there in the late part of the first round. Cincinnati has more pressing needs but with their new scheme looking to consistently put pressure on quarterbacks to help their secondary, Bryan could make sense as an early pick for the Bengals.