Oct 26, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Red Bryant (79) reacts after making a tackle against the Miami Dolphins at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports
Number Three: Red Bryant, Free Agent
Okay, so recently released Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Red Bryant isn’t actually a natural nose tackle, but he figures to help the Colts run defense regardless of where’d he play, most likely at one of the defensive end spots.
At 6’4″, 323 pounds, Bryant is a big defensive end by trade, who is a tremendous run stuffer. The 30 year old remained highly productive for the Jacksonville Jaguars in shutting down the run this past season.
According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), he was tied for the 3rd best 4-3 defensive end overall in stopping the run with a +12.8 run stop grade. However, Bryant has more than enough size to comfortably play as a 3-4 defensive end and even as a nose tackle in a pinch.
While he offers very little pass rush, Bryant would bolster the Colts run defense as a situational defensive lineman. It would also offer the Colts more flexibility along their defensive line by allowing Arthur Jones to platoon more with Josh Chapman at nose tackle, to keep the latter fresher during the course of games. Bryant would play in Jones vacated defensive end spot, thus freeing him up to play more nose tackle as mentioned.