Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts

In the NFL, defensive interior (DI) players—including defensive tackles and nose tackles—are the unsung heroes of dominant defenses, clogging running lanes, pressuring quarterbacks from the middle, and creating opportunities for teammates to make plays. This season, Indianapolis Colts’ defensive tackle Grover Stewart has earned well-deserved recognition for his standout play, securing the 24th spot in Pro Football Focus (PFF)’s DI rankings. PFF’s DI rankings are widely respected for their rigor, evaluating every snap based on metrics like run-stop efficiency (how often a player disrupts rushing plays), pass-rush win rate (how frequently they beat offensive linemen to pressure the quarterback), and tackling consistency (avoiding missed tackles). For Stewart, this top-25 ranking marks a return to elite form after a injury-shortened 2023 season, and it underscores his role as a cornerstone of the Colts’ defensive front. In a league where interior defensive linemen are often overshadowed by edge rushers, Stewart’s ranking is a testament to his ability to impact both run and pass defense—a duality that makes him invaluable to the Colts. This achievement is why Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts has become a key story of the team’s defensive success this year.

Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts gains deeper meaning when breaking down the specific metrics that fueled his high ranking. PFF’s evaluation of DI players focuses on three core areas, and Stewart excels in each, proving he’s more than just a one-dimensional player. In run defense, he ranks 18th among all DI players with a 72.3 run-stop grade, using his 6-foot-4, 335-pound frame to anchor against double teams and plug gaps. This season, he’s recorded 12 run stops (plays that result in a loss or no gain for the offense) and has held opposing running backs to an average of just 2.1 yards per carry when running directly at him—well below the league average of 3.8. In pass defense, Stewart’s 68.9 pass-rush grade places him 26th in the NFL, a notable feat for a interior lineman primarily tasked with stopping the run. He’s tallied 3 sacks, 6 quarterback hits, and a 9.2% pass-rush win rate, meaning he beats his blocker on nearly 1 in 10 pass-rush snaps. What makes Stewart’s ranking even more impressive is his durability: he’s played 78% of the Colts’ defensive snaps this season, a high number for a player of his size, and has maintained consistent performance week in and week out. This blend of run-stopping dominance, pass-rush production, and availability is why PFF has recognized him as one of the league’s top interior defenders.

A critical factor behind Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is his ability to complement fellow defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, creating one of the NFL’s most formidable interior duos. Buckner, a four-time Pro Bowler, rightfully garners significant attention for his pass-rush prowess, but Stewart’s role as a run-stopping anchor allows Buckner to thrive. Opposing offenses often assign double teams to Stewart to neutralize his run defense, which frees up Buckner to focus on pressuring the quarterback—this synergy has helped the Colts rank 9th in the NFL in total defense. For example, in a Week 6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Stewart drew double teams on 11 of his 32 snaps, allowing Buckner to record 2 sacks and 3 quarterback hits. Stewart also contributes in ways that don’t show up on the stat sheet: his ability to occupy multiple blockers creates gaps for linebackers like Zaire Franklin to make tackles, and his pre-snap alignment adjustments help the entire defensive line stay disciplined. PFF’s grading system recognizes these “hidden” contributions, which is why Stewart’s ranking reflects more than just his individual stats—it highlights his role as a team player who makes those around him better. Without Stewart’s unselfish play and run-stopping dominance, Buckner’s production (and the Colts’ overall defensive success) would likely suffer.

Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is particularly significant for the Indianapolis Colts as they compete in the AFC South, a division filled with physical running games that test even the best interior defenders. The division includes the Houston Texans, who rank 10th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and the Tennessee Titans, who rely on veteran running back Derrick Henry’s power running style. Against these divisional rivals, Stewart has been a force: in 4 AFC South games, he’s recorded 5 run stops, 1 sack, and held opposing running backs to just 1.8 yards per carry when targeting his gap. The Indianapolis Colts’ ability to slow down these rushing attacks has been key to their 3-1 division record, as it forces opponents to abandon their run game and rely on less consistent passing attacks. For instance, in a Week 10 win over the Titans, Stewart’s run defense was instrumental in limiting Henry to just 62 yards on 18 carries (3.4 yards per carry)—well below Henry’s season average of 4.1. This divisional success, driven in part by Stewart’s elite run-stopping, gives the Indianapolis Colts a crucial edge in the playoff race, as wins against division foes carry extra weight in tiebreakers. Without Stewart’s performance on the interior, the Colts would likely struggle to contain the AFC South’s physical rushing attacks.

Another vital aspect of Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is the role of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme, which has maximized Stewart’s strengths and minimized any weaknesses. Bradley’s defensive system uses interior linemen like Stewart in a “two-gap” role, meaning he’s responsible for defending two running lanes instead of one—a task that requires size, strength, and discipline. Stewart’s ability to execute this role flawlessly has been key to the Colts’ run defense success, as it allows the team to play with fewer linebackers (and more defensive backs) without sacrificing run-stopping ability. Bradley also incorporates Stewart into the pass rush in creative ways, using him in stunts and blitzes to catch offensive linemen off guard. For example, Bradley will sometimes line Stewart up as a nose tackle to draw a double team, then send him on a delayed blitz to pressure the quarterback from the middle. This scheme has helped Stewart boost his pass-rush production, and it’s a big reason his PFF grade is so high. The Indianapolis Colts’ defensive staff has also worked with Stewart to refine his technique, focusing on hand placement and footwork to help him beat double teams more consistently. This synergy between scheme, coaching, and talent has turned Stewart into one of the league’s most well-rounded interior defenders—a fact reflected in his 24th-place PFF ranking.

Finally, Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts highlights the Indianapolis Colts’ commitment to building a sustainable defensive front through player development and retention. Stewart, a 2017 fourth-round draft pick, has spent his entire 8-year career with the Colts, evolving from a developmental prospect into an elite interior defender. The team’s front office has shown faith in Stewart by signing him to two contract extensions, including a 4-year deal in 2021, and investing in his development through specialized coaching and strength training. This commitment has paid off: Stewart’s PFF grade has improved steadily over the years, from 62.1 in 2019 to 71.5 this season, and he’s become a fan favorite for his blue-collar work ethic and community involvement (he’s active in local youth football programs and anti-bullying campaigns). Looking ahead, Stewart is under contract with the Colts through 2025, meaning he’ll continue to anchor the defensive front alongside Buckner for years to come. This long-term stability is rare in the NFL, and it’s a big reason the Colts’ defense has remained consistent despite roster changes. Grover Stewart Lands at 24th in PFF DI Rankings for Indianapolis Colts is more than just a recognition of Stewart’s individual talent; it’s a testament to the Indianapolis Colts’ ability to draft, develop, and retain elite defensive talent—a cornerstone of their strategy for sustained success.