The Indianapolis Colts are just over a week away from the start of training camp at Westfield where the interior defensive line will boast some strong competition.
The starting spots will remain the same in Gus Bradley’s new defense. It’s the depth roles that will be the ones to watch when the team officially returns from summer break.
Not many additions were made to the interior defensive line outside of two intriguing Day 3 picks in the 2022 NFL draft, and this unit will have a lot of say in the type of production the entire defense has in 2022.
Be sure to check out the other position previews ahead of training camp:
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight End
Offensive Tackle
Interior Offensive Line
Edge Rushers
As training camp is set to begin July 27, here’s a preview of the defensive tackles for the Colts:
DeForest Buckner
AP Photo/Zach Bolinger
The leader of the group and the engine of the defense, Buckner has been the biggest priority for opposing offenses to focus on over the last two seasons. He was an All-Pro during his first season with the Colts in 2020 and even though his production slipped a bit in 2021, Buckner still had a strong year.
Entering Year 3 of his deal with the Colts, Buckner needs to return to that 2020 form if the defense is to make that leap forward into a higher tier. He can certainly do that from a pass-rushing perspective considering the aggressiveness of Bradley’s scheme.
Getting some help from the edge rushers should also benefit the veteran defensive tackle, who could very well be a captain again.
Grover Stewart
AP Photo/Zach Bolinger
One of the most underrated players on the entire roster, Stewart is just now beginning to get the love he deserves from the fanbase. The national media may not have caught on yet, but they will soon.
Stewart has been working as the starting one-technique defensive tackle for the last three seasons and has quickly become one of the best at the position. Don’t let that fool you, though, he’s far more than just a run-stopper. Stewart’s skill set often shows a talented pass rusher when he’s not opening lanes for other rushers.
It will be interesting to see how the spread of the defensive line will impact Stewart’s alignment. He may see some extra work outside of lining up over the center. But he’s a key factor in the defensive line considering his ability to stop the run and his ability to…
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