NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

• Taven Bryan
• Defensive Line
• The University of Florida

Combine Measurements

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 291 lbs
• Arm Length: 32 6/8”
• Wingspan: 78 7/8”

Games Watched

• Florida State
• Missouri
• Kentucky

Instincts

Displays the ability to fight off pressure and disengage from the offensive lineman. At times he gets to far upfield to be washed out of the play, but most of the time he has the instincts to lock out the offensive lineman and find the ball carrier. Can react quickly to the back block from the center or down block from the offensive tackle, doesn’t take the easy way or “back door” the play and fights pressure and goes over the top to defeat the block.

Explosive/Leverage

Shows his true strength by having the ability to unlock his hips with force and have a consistent powerful punch coming out of his stance. Displays a strong lower body that allows him to anchor himself against double teams then shows the ability to break them by sinking his hips and exploding through the blocks.

Lateral Movement/Athletic Ability

Displays good hip flexibility which allows him to bend the corner when rushing the passer and also can change directions quickly by planting his foot and taking the correct angle in pursuit.

Tackling

Shows good body control and consistent leg drive to take down the ball carrier. He explodes through the ball carrier which he generates by “popping” his hips to show his power and strength in tackling. A more consistent tackler when in close quarters or in the box, tends to lunge at times during outside runs doesn’t always bring his feet when in tackling in open space.

Block Shedding/Hand Use

He displays quick active hands to knock down the offensive lineman hands down versus in either a run or the passing situation. With the quick first step and acceleration, he shows a quick powerful punch with the use of “Push Pull” technique to stun and make the offensive lineman off balanced.

Pursuit/Play Speed

Plays with an active high motor, and has a good awareness to plant his foot and turn and take the correct angle in pursuit of the ball carrier. Does not waste any movement when running, has long strides that he can cover ground quickly.

Pass Rush Ability

He displays a strong compact stance that allows him to burst off the line of scrimmage and gains ground with that quick first step he has. He posse’s violent hands they are always moving in various ways of disengagement with his hands the swipe, the lift over and the club rip at times. He uses the speed to power bull rush technique at times which shows off his athleticism and pure power in full effect.

Versatility

A true “3” technique mostly lining up on the outside shoulder of the guard which allows having a “two way go” on a pass rush, having the ability to rush from the B gap or the A gap. At times he is seen lining up as “2” technique head up on the offensive guard and still shows the ability to cause havoc by having the ability to hit his stunt mark with ease.

Bottom Line

An athletic defensive lineman, a true “3” technique in this year’s draft class with a combination of speed and power he can be a unique dynamic player at the next level. An explosive player that wins at the point of attack with his consistent leverage and hand placement, flexibility in his hips allows generating great force off the line.

Draft Projection: Middle 1^stRound

 

Mike Rittelman dominated this scouting report of Taven Bryan. If you are not following Mike you do not love football. Follow him on Twitter.