The Indianapolis Colts are keeping former first-round NFL draft selection, defensive tackle Taven Bryan.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler posted on X:
"Source: Defensive tackle Taven Bryan has agreed to terms with the #Colts on a one-year deal.
Former first-round pick back with Indy for a second season."
The Colts signed Bryan in 2023 to a one-year deal worth $3.51 million, per Spotrac. Indy hoped to get more out of Bryan but didn't see the results on the field. In relief of Grover Stewart on the interior, Bryan was easily blocked in run defense and didn't add much in pass-rushing either. Per Pro Football Focus, Bryan posted a 68.7 pass-rush grade but only two sacks to pair with it. His run defense was brutal, amounting to 43.7.
While PFF isn't everything, the grades are accurate here. Bryan isn't an effective run defender and primarily needs to be used in pass-rushing scenarios. At the conclusion of 2023, Bryan played more run defense snaps (190) than pass-rushing (149), putting him in extra positions to lose than win while exposing his weaknesses.
To re-sign an ineffective defensive tackle is a curious decision and a bad use of money. Newcomer defensive line coach Charlie Partridge may be able to help Bryan get better, but he's also been in the league for six years and is an underwhelming defender. We'll see if there's a chance for Bryan to bounce back in 2024. It's still interesting that Bryan gets signed before safety Julian Blackmon. Free agency is heating up, and the Colts have big choices to make ahead of the draft.
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