2018 NFL Combine results, schedule: Taven Bryan, Antonio Callaway impress scouts

By Adam Silverstein
March 4, 2018

Football

Image Credit: ESPN Images

Six former Florida Gators are participating in the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine (National Invitational Camp) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 27 to March 5.

The event consists of more than 300 players being put through a series of drills, tests and interviews while more than 600 NFL personnel in attendance (including coaching staffs, executives, player personnel and medical staffs) look on and evaluate each of them. It amounts to a major job interview for these athletes to participate in ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft on April 26-28.

Let’s take a look at where everyone stands as of Saturday.

Measurements, workouts

Defensive lineman Taven Bryan* (Group 7, DL02)
Height: 6’4″ | Weight: 291 lbs.
Arm length: 32 3/4″ | Hand size: 9 3/4″

40-yard dash: 4.98 seconds
Bench press: 30 reps of 225 pounds
Six-most among defensive linemen

Vertical: 35.0 inches | Broad: 119.0 inches
Both fourth-best among defensive linemen

3-cone drill: 7.12 seconds | 20-yard shuttle: 4.48 seconds
Second-fastest cone drill, sixth-fastest shuttle among DLs

Notes: A former three-star prospect, Bryan has been compared to J.J. Watt throughout his career. His performance at the NFL Combine did nothing to alter those comparisons as his measurements and workout numbers mirrored the four-time Pro Bowler. Bryan started all 11 games last season, and though he produced, he did not do so to the level as some of his peers who are also projected to be first-round selections. Though Bryan possesses tremendous athleticism, he is still developing his football instincts. Teams will have to decide whether to play him at tackle or end, but he could be a future Pro Bowler like Watt if he develops properly. Bryan’s toughness, athleticism, explosiveness and flexibility are all positives, but NFL teams will want him to add size and improve his strength while learning the game more intimately.

Wide receiver Antonio Callaway* (Group 4, WO05)
Height: 5’11” | Weight: 197 lbs.
Arm length: 31 1/2″ | Hand size: 9 1/2″

40-yard dash: 4.41 seconds
Third-fastest among wide receivers

Vertical: 34.0 inches | Broad: 121.0 inches
Did not participate in bench press, 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle or 60-yard shuttle

Notes: A legitimate first-round talent, Callaway had the opportunity to be a difference maker for Florida but could not escape constant off-field issues that limited his effectiveness and field time. In addition to admitting on the record to being a frequent marijuana user, Callaway was accused of sexual assault and credit card fraud during his time on campus. It is for those myriad reasons that he will likely go on the third day instead of among the first 32 picks in the draft. Callaway has strong albeit inconsistent hands and tremendous leaping ability. He is also exceptionally fast and fluid with his hips, making him a prospect at both wideout and returner. There is no doubt that his explosiveness with the ball in his hand will help him find an opportunity at the next level, but whether a team takes a chance on him even late in the draft remains to be seen. Coaches have always praised Callaway for his work ethic and ability, but it is clear that the Gators could not trust him to follow team rules and be available to play for the team on a consistent basis.

Punter Johnny Townsend (Group 1, PK09)
Height: 6’1″ | Weight: 211 lbs.
Arm length: 30 5/8″ | Hand size: 9 1/2″

Notes: Townsend’s booming punts (average of 46 yards per attempt) and tremendous accuracy have him standing as a legitimate option for teams late in the 2018 NFL Draft. He posted the highest gross average in college football this past season and has a strong leg that teams will be able to utilize at the next level. His confidence is a plus, as is his ability to drop punts dead. Listed weaknesses for Townsend include him outkicking his coverage, booting with a short hangtime, being unable to kickoff and showcasing a relative lack of punts that fall inside the 10-yard line.

Kicker Eddy Pineiro^ (Group 1, PK07)
Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 178 lbs.
Arm length: 29 7/8″ | Hand size: 8 1/4″

Notes: Pineiro dominated in his two years as a collegiate kicker, converting 38-of-42 field goal attempts including a number from 50+ yards and booming kickoffs out the back of the end zone. The NFL has him listed as the nation’s most accurate kicker in 2017 (5-for-5 from 50+) but notes that he has “noisy” mechanics and an inconsistent trajectory on his kicks. The biggest knock on Pineiro is his lack of football experience as he had never attempted a field goal in game action before two years ago.