The Indianapolis Colts are expected to make an impact this year with the additions of talent in key positions, but how many will remain under the radar?
While there are the obvious players that will likely make a giant impact this season for the Indianapolis Colts, there are several players flying under the radar. Every year, there are under-the-radar players that don’t get picked up by the media because they aren’t one of the league’s star players.
Colts fans should know all about this, as one of the league’s best linebackers is consistently forgotten about when it comes to end-of-season awards.
So who are the most likely players to excel under the radar this year for Indy? Is it a newly acquired starter? Maybe it’s a player in a backup position?
These under-the-radar players might almost be household names in Indianapolis, but they aren’t even close to being in the national spotlight. Fans should be expecting big things this season from these three players.
1. Grover Stewart takes the leap to double-digit stats
Many Colts fans know the impact Grover Stewart has in the run game and the work he puts in each season. However, the defensive tackle has only recorded 4.5 sacks in his five-year career.
Another shocking stat is that he has only recorded a total of 16 tackles for a loss. These stats aren’t anything to brag about in the national media when you have players like Aaron Donald and Jeffery Simmons.
With the addition of Yannick Ngakoue and an expected emergence of second-year player Kwity Paye, the big man inside should be free to make a bigger impact inside.
With four impact players on the defensive line, the opposing offensive line is going to struggle to keep tabs on Kwity, Yannick, and DeForest Buckner, let alone keep Grover under wraps.
Grover is going to get career highs in both sacks and tackles for loss. Grover is going to be a huge impact in the run game and his tackle for loss count is going to increase into the double digits this year.
In addition, Grover is going to double his career sack total with nine sacks this season. Big ask from a big guy, but this is the year considering the defensive line should have more time getting to the quarterback.