Chuck Pagano on Colts' Run Defense: "We're Going to Get that Fixed"

Entering the 2015 NFL Draft, many thought that the Indianapolis Colts would address the run defense with their first round pick.  When their first choice arrived, however, Indy took Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, much to the dismay of a number of Colts fans who wanted them to address the run defense.

Head coach Chuck Pagano attempted to reassure fans last night at his press conference.  "The whole run deal, we're going to get that fixed," Pagano stated.  "We finished 11th overall in total defense this year. We had some games that were disappointing. There's enough players on that board where there will be people there tomorrow and Saturday, and we'll add the right pieces. Certainly, like Ryan (Grigson) said, we stayed true to the board. When you've got a guy up there that's got rare, rare traits [in Phillip Dorsett] you don't pass on it."

Furthermore, general manager Ryan Grigson reiterated a couple of times last night that "we have eight more picks," another attempt to reassure fans that help to the defense is coming.

The second and third rounds will take place tonight, and there are likely to be a number of good players available.  Perhaps the Colts will attempt to trade up, or perhaps they'll stay put at pick number 61 in the second round, but it seems clear that they'll be focusing on the defense.  That doesn't mean they'll go away from their best player available approach, but it seems like they are well aware of the need along the defense and are planning to address it at some point in the draft.

We can't say when that will come because, again, the Colts seem to be simply going with best player available, and we don't know who that will be tonight or even what position it will be.  But the Colts seem determined to improve the run defense, and that's something to be watching tonight as the draft continues.