Methods and apparatus for performing content inspection using multi-pattern packet content inspection mechanisms employing tagged values. Pattern data structures are employed to facilitate multi-pattern searches via corresponding string-search algorithm machines. The pattern data structures include tagged values defining search offsets and depths for corresponding search patterns. Incoming packets are classified to flows, and stored in corresponding flow queues. Flow table entries are used to identify the pattern data structure for a given flow. During content inspection, the algorithm machine employs the tagged values to effectively skip portions of a data stream up to the offset for each search pattern and to cease searching for a pattern upon reaching the depth for the pattern.