The University of Florida will have six representatives at the NFL Combine this weekend. The annual showcase will give the players a chance to impress NFL scouts with skill and knowledge throughout workouts and meetings. The six Gators are all coming in after an unremarkable season from the team, but with more promise individually.
The invitees are defensive tackle Taven Bryan, cornerback Duke Dawson, wide receiver Antonio Callaway, safety Marcell Harris, kicker Eddy Pineiro and punter Johnny Townsend. They each have their own set of benchmarks needed to hit to improve their draft stock. Here’s where they each stand and what pundits are expecting.
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Where he stands: The “Wyoming Wild Man” elected to leave early for the league after becoming one of the most important pieces of the Gators front seven. He finished his career at Florida with 67 tackles (10.5 for loss) and 5.5 sacks.
The big question: Bryan’s athletic ability has never been in question. The worry is that his game relies solely on that without cultivating much knowledge of the game. The meetings will be an opportunity for Bryan to prove he can learn any defense while bringing an unmatched athletic prowess.
What they’re saying: NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said of Bryan, “Taven Bryan is intriguing to me. He can play the 5 technique, which is what the base is in Tennessee. He can also kick down as a sub-rusher. I think he’s interesting...[he] is a borderline first round pick. I really like what he brings to the table.
Draft projection: Late first-early second round
Where he stands: One of the most exciting talents on the field to come through Gainesville in recent years, coupled with being one of the biggest headaches off the field. Antonio Callaway became a household Gator name after his involvement in the 4th and 14 miracle to beat Tennessee in 2015. Then in 2017 there was no sophomore slump as he became the first player in school history to score a touchdown via rushing, receiving, passing, punt return and kickoff return. His two seasons at Florida ended with 2279 total yards (51 rushing, 1399 receiving, 653 punt return and 176 in kickoff return) and 12 touchdowns.
The big question: Callaway is coming in with huge question marks surrounding his off the field behavior. While at Florida he faced a litany of problems from sexual assault allegations, marijuana possession citation and credit card fraud. The latter resulted in a suspension that left him sidelined for the entirety of the 2017 season. He’ll have to use the meetings to prove to teams he has matured and is worth the risk and possible negative PR.
What they’re saying: Said Mayock of Callaway, “He is very talented and you’re right he’s got a lot of off the field stuff that’s gonna effect his ultimate evaluation and that’s why quite frankly what he does off the field at the Combine is really more important. It’s more about the meetings at night, the conversations he’s gonna have. Keep in mind this is a guy that had 3 punt return, excuse me, three return touchdowns. I think it was two punt returns and a kickoff return but he had three return touchdowns in two years at Florida, suspended this entire season. People will recognize his talent, they’ll recognize his explosiveness and his ability to return the ball. I think at best he’s gonna be a third day guy and a team is gonna have to be comfortable with who he is off the field.”
Draft projection: Anywhere from the second to last day, to possibly being an undrafted free agent
Where he stands: Dawson was the veteran defensive back for the 2017 campaign. As such it was also one of his best years statistically. He ends his Florida career with 82 total tackles, six interceptions—three returned for touchdowns—and 23 pass breakups.
The big question: Dawson can smother a receiver and has good command of the backfield with his knowledge of defenses. The concern will be his ability to transition from college to NFL with bigger, faster and shiftier players. He’ll need to use the Combine to show an ability to match the speed of the game.
What they’re saying: Mayock said of Dawson, “like his tape. I think his physical skill set lends itself more towards nickel. But I think he can come in day one play special teams and nickel.”
Draft projection: Late day two, round 3-4
Where he stands: There was excitement coming into 2017 to see what Marcell Harris could do in his final season. However an injury in fall camp left him out for the entirety of the season. During his three seasons he accumulated 102 tackles (including four for loss) and three passes defended along with a sack and two interceptions.
The big question: Can he keep up with NFL speed? This, along with his ability to be consistent will be the biggest question surrounding Harris. Through three seasons he only had nine starts. His ability to be more than just a package player will be Harris’ first priority to show off to teams this week.
What they’re saying: When it comes to Harris, Mayock says, “I’ve heard it both ways with him. I think at the end of the day at best he’s gonna be a third day decision. The durability is a concern with a lot of the teams.”
Draft projection: Undrafted free agent
Where he stands: The percentages say Pineiro was the best kicker in the nation at the end of the 2017 season, and few would argue. His .944 completion percentage has been matched by few and makes him one of the more exciting special team prospects in the draft. His two years in Gainesville saw him hit 38/43 field goals including multiple from 50+ yards. He was money on PAT’s with 32 his first season and going 24/26 in 2017. He was also the Gators kickoff specialist averaging 64.42 yards per kickoff during his career and notched 87 touchbacks.
The big question: Pineiro didn’t even know he was eligible for the draft until a reporter asked him about the possibility after he hit five field goals versus UAB. His affinity for soccer means he has only recently been introduced to football. While his role is limited, teams will want to know he understands the game enough for the unique situations the NFL can sometimes bring.
What they’re saying: His strength from 50+ yards coupled with his play on kickoffs make him a bargain for teams looking for a long term guy.
Draft projection: Late fifth-early sixth to seventh
Where he stands: Like his special teams counterpart Pineiro, Johnny Townsend was statistically the best punter in the nation after 2017. His strength made him a fan favorite, even inspiring a #TownsendforHeisman campaign. He averaged 46.6 yards per punt during his career at Florida with 90 of them going for 50+ yards and a long of 70.
The big question: Townsend’s biggest concern could be labeled as his own strength. He has the tendency to out-kick his coverage so he’ll need to show teams this week that he can work on technique to improve his hang time—a time that averaged 4.2 seconds this past year. Increased speed in the NFL will work to his advantage but the ability to tweak hang time will be a crucial skill to showcase.
What they’re saying: Leg strength is appealing. Any improvement shown in hang time will make him a safe bet for a team looking to invest in a long term punter. He hasn’t assisted in kickoffs though so he will need to find a team that has a kicker in place.
Draft projection: Late seventh-undrafted free agent
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