Florida DL Taven Bryan declares for 2018 NFL Draft

By Adam Silverstein
December 11, 2017
Florida DL Taven Bryan declares for 2018 NFL Draft
Football

Image Credit: ESPN Images

Florida Gators junior defensive tackle Taven Bryan made what he considered a difficult call on Monday as he decided to relinquish his remaining season of eligibility and declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.

A former three-star prospect out of Casper, Wyoming, Bryan has been tremendous as a starting lineman for the Gators, even drawing some comparisons to Houston Texans star J.J. Watt. Whether that appears to be a just model for Bryan’s NFL future remains to be seen, but he’s certain proved himself to be a terror in college.

Bryan amassed 37 tackles (six for loss) with four sacks in 2017. He has 5.5 sacks for his career with one interception, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.

Though his numbers are not gaudy, Bryan is impressive on tape and is a candidate to be selected in the bottom of the first round or top of the second round. He will likely be the first Florida player off the board in April.

As part of his draft declaration, Bryan called The Swamp “a special place” and said the hiring of head coach Dan Mullen “made this decision very difficult because I have the highest regard for him.” Bryan also said he expects “greatness” to return to Gator Nation soon under Mullen.

Junior defensive end Cece Jefferson, junior offensive lineman Martez Ivey, junior running back Jordan Scarlett and redshirt junior kicker Eddy Pineiro are other Florida players who could choose to continue their careers as professionals. Junior wide receiver Antonio Callaway has already hired an agent, though he did not formally declare for the NFL Draft.

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