Taven Bryan tied his unlaced cleats as a semicircle of NFL coaches and scouts surrounded the soon-to-be millionaire.
Rod Marinelli, defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, instructed Bryan through dummy-smacking drills with a focus on explosiveness. “Good, Taven,” he said several times. Bryan, a potential first-round NFL Draft pick and Florida’s most touted prospect, was the main attraction at UF’s Pro Day on Wednesday, with Marinelli, New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis in attendance to observe the 6-5, 291-pound defensive lineman show why he’s drawn comparisons to JJ Watt.
Bryan only performed drills after an impressive showing at the combine, and with draft day approaching April 26, he believes he’s solidified himself as a first-round pick.