After claiming a familiar face in Eric Johnson on waivers following his release from the New England Patriots, what does the Indianapolis Colts’ depth chart now look like?
Adding Johnson back to the mix, hopefully, helps elevate the competition on the roster behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. The Colts very much need more production and impact from their defensive tackle depth this season.
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The Colts have already added to this position group in both free agency and in the NFL draft, signing Neville Gallimore and selecting Tim Smith. Adetomiwa Adebawore will also return for his third NFL season.
However, how much the depth at defensive tackle has improved still remains to be seen.
Last season, Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis, who primarily filled those third and fourth rotational roles, ranked near the bottom of their position group in PFF’s pass rush win rate metric and run stop rate.
At a heavily rotated position like defensive tackle, depth is crucial, and when Buckner and Stewart weren’t on the field last season, offenses often took advantage.
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Operating under Lou Anarumo’s more aggressive, disguise-heavy, and gap-versatile scheme can certainly provide the defensive front as a whole a boost, but improved play from the back end of the tackle rotation will still be a must.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle depth chart after signing Eric Johnson
Neville Gallimore (Free agent signing)
Eric Johnson (Claimed on waivers)
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Updated Colts’ defensive tackle depth chart after adding Eric Johnson