Grover Stewart created some positive buzz in training camp as a rookie, but did that carry over into the regular season?

General manager Chris Ballard took a chance on a Division II-product Grover Stewart in the fourth round of his first draft as the Colts’ GM.

The former Albany State defensive tackle played in 15 games as a rotational defensive lineman this season. Stewart began to earn more playing time as the year went on, especially after Henry Anderson went down with a season-ending injury.

Stewart was primarily used as a run-stuffing interior defensive lineman this year as he doesn’t provide much production as a pass rusher. He had 12 tackles, 11 assists, and 1 run stuff this season.

Chris Ballard spent a lot of money and resources on building the interior of the defensive line this offseason, and it paid off as their run defense was much-improved. Free agent acquisitions Johnathan Hankins, Al Woods, and Margus Hunt all played well this season, and the Colts are hoping to get Henry Anderson back in 2018.

Stewart can definitely find a role in that rotation of defensive tackles if he can improve as a pass rusher, and he continues to get some penetration in the running game. Considering Al Woods weighs in at 311 pounds and Johnathan Hankins weighs 320 pounds, Grover Stewart could probably pack on a few pounds to add to his 295-pound frame and make him even more difficult to deal with on the interior.

Stewart got some valuable experience with the first team in 2017, and he will hopefully continue his development into a future starter this offseason.