2018 NFL Combine: 10 players who helped their stock

8. Taven Bryan, DT, Florida

When thinking of the combine and athletes, there are very few defensive tackles that come to mind. This year, Taven Bryan was the clear leader as an athlete for interior defensive lineman. There was talk that he would test well, and he did. His Florida teammates and coaches were not surprised by his performance, some even believing he was the best athlete on the team.

Bryan came in at 6-foot-5 and 291 pounds. That is light for a defensive tackle, but as a three-technique quickness and burst are more his game than anchoring and shedding. At that size, Bryan showed he can move at an elite level.

The first time we saw him was at the bench press where his 30 reps were a strong performance for a player that is not thought of a strength based talent. Once the cleats went on, Bryan shined.

At 291 pounds he went out and ran a 4.98 40 yard dash. That places him in the 79th percentile all time for defensive tackles. His ten yard split was even more impressive, and translates on tape as he frequently wins with his quick first step. Bryan showed off his lower body power in the vertical jump (35″) and broad jump (119″)  finishing above the 95th percentile in both drills. Even his 20 yard shuttle was impressive at 4.48, good enough for the 80th percentile.

Bryan will try to sneak into the first round in a talented and deep defensive tackle class. A team looking for a penetrating three technique will give him a hard look. His combine backed up what we saw on tape and proved he is an excellent athlete for his size.