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NFL draft: Florida Gators’ Taven Bryan goes to Jaguars at No. 29

This marks the sixth year in a row the Gators have had at least one first-round pick.
Former Florida Gators defensive lineman Taven Bryan has drawn NFL comparisons to superstar J.J. Watt. [ MONICA HERNDON  |  Times ]
Former Florida Gators defensive lineman Taven Bryan has drawn NFL comparisons to superstar J.J. Watt. [ MONICA HERNDON | Times ]
Published April 27, 2018

Former Florida defensive lineman Taven Bryan gave the Gators a first-round pick for the sixth consecutive year, after being drafted by the Jaguars at No. 29 overall.

The 6-foot-4, 291-pound Wyoming native was one of the most talented players in the draft. He's strong and disruptive with excellent measurables, including a 35-inch vertical leap and the second-quickest three-cone shuttle time among defensive linemen at the combine.

But his production (or lack thereof) made him a borderline first-round pick. In 36 career games, he totaled 67 tackles (10 ½ for a loss) and 5 ½ sacks.

Bryan was the second player from a state college drafted Thursday night, after Florida State safety Derwin James went No. 17 to the Chargers.