by Ron Bahr for Inside Football
Q: Your 40 time at the combine was 4.68, but you ran 4.56 and 4.57 at your pro day. How did you improve your speed?
Bryan: I think the biggest thing was being in my own circumstances. At the combine I had been taking a variety of medical tests including X-rays and an MRI, and I didn’t have a chance to loosen up my legs before I ran. At my pro day I felt great and I improved in every category including 40 time.
Q: A number of draft preview reports questioned your flexibility, your ability to turn and run with a receiver. Your thoughts?
Bryan : I would highly disagree with that. My three-cone drill time was 6.54 and only three players in the country had better times, and they were all wide receivers. I was really surprised to see that comment when my three-cone time was published. Because the three-cone is nothing but running five yards turning, running five yards and turning again.
Q: Which linebacker positions did you play at BYU?
Bryan: I played both inside and outside, as a freshman I played inside briefly, in a 4-3, but then we switched to a three- four and moved outside. Coming here to a four-three has been an adjustment for me, actually a bigger adjustment than I had anticipated. A defensive player has to read certain keys, in college I read a receiver, a tight end, or sometimes a tackle, and then through them into the backfield. Here I read the running backs or sometimes a guard, which is completely different and makes it more difficult. But I am glad to say I am making progress with every practice. This is a sweet defense and I am excited about playing in it. This is a high-energy defense and we are coming for you.
Q: How much experience did you have in playing pass defense at BYU?
Bryan: I played pass defense the majority of the time. I would rush the quarterback about ten snaps a game and be in pass coverage most of the rest of the defensive plays.
Q: Often pass defenders including DB’s have a problem in reacting to the ball in the air even when they have a chance to do so. Is this a significant problem for you?
Bryan: I feel I am good with that, I still need to work on it, but I had three interceptions in college, which is pretty good for a linebacker. I was able to read the quarterback and make a play on the ball.
Q: How would you evaluate your tackling technique?
Bryan: I think I am pretty good but it is something I need to work on more. I tend to favor using my right shoulder to tackle. I want to work on that, but I’d usually wrap up.
