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Colts Sign Rookie 4th Round Nose Tackle Grover Stewart

By Luke Schultheis

Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Indianapolis Colts helmet lays on the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Indianapolis 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Indianapolis Colts helmet lays on the field after the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated Indianapolis 29-26 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that the team has also signed rookie nose tackle Grover Stewart, who the team selected in the 4th round out of Albany State.

It comes just hours after the team announced that it had inked first round safety Malik Hooker, leaving only 3rd round pick Tarell Basham as the only remaining player unsigned from its 2017 draft class–meaning 7 of 8 selections have been safely inked.

Stewart recorded 37 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks for the Golden Rams in 9 games this past season–earning All-SIAC honors (for the fourth time).

The 6’4″, 347 pound nose tackle boasts impressive physical measurables, but it came against smaller school competition with Albany State (Division II)–meaning there could be somewhat of a learning curve for the young defensive lineman.

Still, his physical combination of quickness and power could be tantalizing for the Colts, and if nothing else, he could be featured in a prominent role like 2nd-year pro Hassan Ridgeway just experienced during his rookie season.

While Johnathan Hankins has to be penciled in for the starting nose tackle job, Stewart could get valuable reps immediately behind him, and even serve a role similar to Art Jones last season (when healthy)–playing all over the defensive interior.

New Colts general manager Chris Ballard already said that Stewart can be featured at three spots along the defensive line–praising his versatility, although nose tackle may still be his most natural position long-term.

As a result, it wouldn’t be surprising in the least if Stewart becomes a valuable rotational defensive lineman from the get-go for the Colts, if his ‘polish’ can play up to his physical measurables.

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