Taven

Bryan

A former first-rounder of the Jaguars, Bryan joined the Colts in 2023 to start seven games for them on the defensive line. He forced a fumble and tallied two sacks throughout the season. Bryan returns to the Colts on a one-year deal, likely to be a rotational defensive lineman again.

Bryan was a first-round pick with the Jags in 2018 but never made much of an impact in Jacksonville. He signed a one-year deal with the browns last offseason and took on a starting role in Cleveland. He didn’t make much of the opportunity, totaling three sacks and a pair of TFLs across 16 games. Bryan will likely take on a rotational role for the Colts in 2023.

Clowney sat out the first two days of practice this week, and he was not spotted on the field Friday. He appears to be more doubtful than questionable. Fellow EDGE Myles Garrett (shoulder, biceps) is also “questionable” while DL Taven Bryan (hamstring) is out. Cleveland’s banged-up defense sets up as a good matchup for the Falcons.

Coach Kevin Stefanski said Clowney has a chance to play, but he is starting the week on a bad note. Myles Garrett (shoulder, biceps), CB Denzel Ward (back, ribs), LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (groin), and DL Taven Bryan (hamstring) are also sitting out Wednesday.

Bryan was the 29th overall pick in the 2018 draft but never came close to living up to his lofty draft status. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good like it has other players in the past. Bryan can earn up to $5 million in Cleveland where he’ll be surrounded by better edge-rushing talent.

Bryan, a 2018 first-round pick, is a healthy scratch for what will likely be his final game with Jacksonville. The 25-year-old will head to free agency this offseason.

Bryan’s “feel for the game isn’t at the same level as the others,” according to DiRocco, who expects Bryan to get camp reps at end in Jacksonville’s base 3-4. The 2018 first-rounder opened last year in a starting role and made eight starts before undrafted rookie Doug Costin passed him on the depth chart. In the final year of his contract, it’s possible the Jaguars, who declined Bryan’s 2022 option, move on from him. The Jaguars can save $1.2 million from Bryan’s release.

Bryan, the team’s No. 29 overall pick in 2018, has underwhelmed with 3.5 sacks from the interior despite being available for all 48 possible games through three seasons. He’ll be remembered for being drafted over Lamar Jackson rather than any accomplishment with Jacksonville.

Bryan (6’5/291) made only 14 starts in three years with the Gators, managing 10.5 career tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. Despite lackluster production, Bryan flashed upside on tape with uncommon quickness and get-off burst for his build. He shredded the Combine, testing as a 97th-percentile SPARQ athlete with a freaky size-adjusted forty (4.98), vertical (35"), and three-cone drill (7.12). Bryan must improve as a finisher to turn his hurries into sacks, but he offers a Derek Wolfe-level ceiling if he puts it all together.

The deal includes a fifth-year option and $5.5 million signing bonus. Bryan got slightly above slotted money despite his unproven college track record. The Jaguars plan to use Bryan in a rotation with Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson. He can also play inside in sub-packages.