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The Indianapolis Colts recently added to their defensive tackle position, signing former first-round draft pick Jerry Tillery. So what can Tillery add to this position group?
This will be Tillery's eighth NFL season, and over his first seven years, he's appeared in 113 games and made 53 starts. He's also been quite durable, playing in at least 15 games every year he's been in the NFL, and hasn't missed any games over the last three seasons.
Over the last four seasons, Tillery has filled more of a rotation role, averaging 452 snaps per year during that span. The bulk of his NFL snaps have come rushing the quarterback. According to PFF, Tillery has 2,150 career pass rush snaps vs. 1,602 run defense snaps.
Tillery spent the 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 12 pressures, while playing some special teams snaps as well.
"Tillery played a limited role in Kansas City's defense last season, but was moderately effective when he was on the field," said Chiefs Wire managing editor John Dillon. "While his time with the Chiefs was brief, Tillery is exactly the kind of veteran defender who will make the life of a coordinator easier — even if only by virtue of his extensive experience. This might not be the flashiest signing for Indianapolis, but it should prove to be a productive one."
Tillery brings versatility to the Colts' defensive front as well -- an important element within Lou Anarumo's defense.
"I played nose (guard) last year. I played 3-technique throughout my whole career. I've played on the edge," Tillery said, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "It's all defensive line. And I think I can do whatever I can to help us win."
The addition of Tillery provides added competition to the defensive tackle rotation behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Perhaps the hope is that Tillery can provide an added pass rush presence, competing with Adetomiwa Adebawore and Colby Wooden, who won't be playing nose tackle with the Colts, for playing time.
Tillery may not be a roster lock, but his presence can help elevate the competition up front, which in turn can help raise the level of play.
"I think being able to play aggressive, stop the run, in pass rush and quick identification of schemes, and then knowing what the offense is doing," Tillery said, via Colts.com. "These are all things I've made a career doing. And so, they fit in any scheme, and I think especially this one with the way that Hobby and Coach Lou has us playing."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Evaluating Colts signing of Jerry Tillery
Continue reading...
This will be Tillery's eighth NFL season, and over his first seven years, he's appeared in 113 games and made 53 starts. He's also been quite durable, playing in at least 15 games every year he's been in the NFL, and hasn't missed any games over the last three seasons.
Over the last four seasons, Tillery has filled more of a rotation role, averaging 452 snaps per year during that span. The bulk of his NFL snaps have come rushing the quarterback. According to PFF, Tillery has 2,150 career pass rush snaps vs. 1,602 run defense snaps.
Tillery spent the 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 12 pressures, while playing some special teams snaps as well.
"Tillery played a limited role in Kansas City's defense last season, but was moderately effective when he was on the field," said Chiefs Wire managing editor John Dillon. "While his time with the Chiefs was brief, Tillery is exactly the kind of veteran defender who will make the life of a coordinator easier — even if only by virtue of his extensive experience. This might not be the flashiest signing for Indianapolis, but it should prove to be a productive one."
Tillery brings versatility to the Colts' defensive front as well -- an important element within Lou Anarumo's defense.
"I played nose (guard) last year. I played 3-technique throughout my whole career. I've played on the edge," Tillery said, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "It's all defensive line. And I think I can do whatever I can to help us win."
The addition of Tillery provides added competition to the defensive tackle rotation behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Perhaps the hope is that Tillery can provide an added pass rush presence, competing with Adetomiwa Adebawore and Colby Wooden, who won't be playing nose tackle with the Colts, for playing time.
Tillery may not be a roster lock, but his presence can help elevate the competition up front, which in turn can help raise the level of play.
"I think being able to play aggressive, stop the run, in pass rush and quick identification of schemes, and then knowing what the offense is doing," Tillery said, via Colts.com. "These are all things I've made a career doing. And so, they fit in any scheme, and I think especially this one with the way that Hobby and Coach Lou has us playing."
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL free agency: Evaluating Colts signing of Jerry Tillery
Continue reading...
