5 Colts Candidates to Replace Arthur Jones

Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Phil Taylor (98) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

NT/DE Phil Taylor, Free Agent

The 5th-year veteran was one of the league’s surprise releases earlier this week by the Cleveland Browns. However, at 6’3, 335 pounds, the big bodied Phil Taylor has always been a competent run-stopping specialist, even if he’s only strictly a two down player.

With Jones run stopping ability now sorely missing, we’ve previously noted that Taylor’s worth kicking the tires on for the Colts given his ability to seemingly stuff the run. However, buyer beware, as Taylor comes with his own injury history, as he only played in 5 games last before undergoing a season-ending knee scope.

The former 2011 1st round pick is coming off a down year for the Browns because of injury, but has been an exceptional run stopper in the past:

"“According to ProFootballFocus (subscription), Taylor received just a -3.6 grade against the run last season playing as a 3-4 defensive end, but is just one season removed from a +4.9 grade against the run in 2013 as a nose tackle for the Browns.”"

At this point in the offseason, “beggars can’t necessarily be choosers”, and the team may be hard-pressed to find a more proven veteran run stuffer than Taylor given the limited free agent options available.