Colts DTs Among Esteemed Company in Recent Defensive Rankings
Despite a horrific 2022 season that mustered four wins, the Indianapolis Colts didn’t struggle with their interior defensive front. The reasons are simple and come in the form of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
Their efficient performances from last season landed them both on Gordon McGuinness’ “Top 32 Interior Defender Ranking for the 2023 Season” list from Pro Football Focus.
With these defensive sluggers the subject of the discussion, let’s break down what McGuinness said and what it means for Indianapolis’ defense in 2023.
#6) DeForest Buckner
Buckner was originally a San Francisco 49er, drafted in 2016 with the seventh overall pick out of Oregon. Right away, Buckner was efficient and effective, throwing together 15 starts, six sacks, and 18 quarterback hits in his rookie season.
After four years as a 49er, the Colts traded a 2020 first-round pick (13th overall) to get Buckner on the defensive line. The rest is history, as Buckner snagged a First-Team All-Pro selection in 2020 with 9.5 sacks, 26 QB hits, and 58 tackles. This was followed in 2021 by his second Pro Bowl nomination and 7.0 sacks, 68 tackles, and 10 tackles for loss.
Last year, there weren’t any nominations or accolades for Buckner, but he was efficient anyway, tallying another 8.0 sacks, 74 tackles (career-high), and two fumbles forced. It’s not surprising that he lands on PFF’s list. Let’s look at what McGuinness has for his take on Buckner.
“Since joining the Colts in 2020, Buckner has maintained a high level of play. His pass-rush grades have been better than 73.0 in every season since 2017. In 2022, he registered 56 pressures on 519 pass-rushing snaps.”
Can Buckner continue to shine as one of the premier defenders for Indianapolis in 2023? Given how consistent he has been throughout his career, it’s a high possibility.
#26) Grover Stewart
“Big Grove” has been quieter with his ascension than Buckner, and it’s not warranted. Standing 6’4” and weighing 315 pounds, Stewart has made a name for himself as one of the most overlooked at his position in the league.
McGuinness does a nice job of breaking down the impact that Stewart has on defense in his entry.
“Stewart turns 30 during the 2023 season, and his career-high PFF grade of 72.6 came in 2021, so we aren’t under any illusions that he’s on the cusp of becoming a top-10 player at the position. What he is, though, is a really solid run defender, having earned a 68.0-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of the past four seasons. He’s the type of player that every team in the league would like to have, at least as a rotational piece.”
Stewart has been with the Colts since 2017 when he was drafted out of Albany State in round four (144th overall) of the NFL draft.
While he started his tenure as more of the aforementioned rotational piece, he has come full swing since then. He is now a bonafide force on the interior defensive line for Indianapolis.
Last season Stewart had career highs all over the place. He grabbed 70 tackles, 3 passes defended, 4.0 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 7 QB hits, all bests for Stewart’s six-year career.
This type of year is what Stewart will look to build on, maybe even getting that elusive Pro Bowl nomination that he likely deserved last season with his tenacious efficiency.
Outlook
These are two of the best defensive tackles in the league. For the Colts, it’s a huge advantage, with them not only being on the same side of the ball but next to one another.
Their athleticism and skills will create many-an-issue for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks. With this type of talent pressuring up front, it can open up other opportunities for the defensive ends and linebackers to make plays, create sacks, and notch tackles for loss.
Look for Buckner and Stewart to be relied upon to dictate the pace of the defensive front for the Colts in 2023.
