It may not be the biggest need for the Indianapolis Colts, but the defensive tackle position could benefit from improved depth this offseason.
To solve that issue, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report mentioned Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive tackle BJ Hill as a “logical target” for the Colts this offseason.
“Hill would be a logical target for the Indianapolis Colts, who could use another interior defender and who recently hired former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo,” wrote Knox.
Hill is a former third-round pick by the New York Giants in 2018 and has spent the last four seasons in Cincinnati. He will be entering his age 30 season.
Hill brings a well-rounded skill set to the interior, averaging almost 40 pressures and over five sacks per year over the last four seasons. He’s also graded out as an above average run defender by PFF’s metrics as well.
There is also something to be said for Hill’s experience in Anarumo’s defense, which could be valuable as the Colts make this transition to a new scheme.
The tricky part for GM Chris Ballard is that as he looks to infuse competition throughout the roster this offseason, there are a lot of positions that he could justify adding to, and so spending more cap dollars on a defensive tackle position may not be a top priority.
However, one way or another, the depth behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart has to improve this offseason. Opposing offenses, particularly in the run game, took advantage when those two weren’t on the field.
Combined, Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis would generate only 12 total pressures in 2024. Out of 124 eligible defenders, Davis ranked 96th in PFF’s pass rush productivity metric and Davis was 122nd.
In the run game, Bryan ranked 120th in run-stop rate out of 153 defensive tackles, while Davis was 149th.
Bryan is also set to be a free agent this offseason and Davis could be a cut candidate, saving the Colts over $6 million in salary cap space.
With this year’s draft class being loaded at the defensive line position, perhaps the Colts prefer to address the need there with a more high upside and younger player on a rookie deal.
But if Ballard does want to explore free agency, Hill isn’t projected to break the salary cap bank either. Pro Football Focus is projecting that he signs a two-year deal worth $10.25 million.