Chuck Pagano: Dwight Lowery has "been a good addition" to Colts' defense

Last year, the Indianapolis Colts signed safety Mike Adams in mid-June, and the safety ended up being one of the most important players on the team's defense in 2014, earning a Pro Bowl berth for his play.  This year, the Colts also signed a safety a bit later in the free agent process in Dwight Lowery, though this time it only came early-April - but it could once again end up being an important signing by general manager Ryan Grigson.

Lowery joins the Colts as the projected starting safety alongside Adams in 2015, and the veteran duo gives the Colts an experienced, stable presence in the secondary at a position that has been anything but stable recently.  With OTAs beginning last week for Indianapolis, head coach Chuck Pagano was happy with his new safety so far.

"He's done a nice job," Pagano told the media on Wednesday.  "It's kind of like when Mike (Adams) came in a year ago this time.  He's picked things up quick.  He's a quick study.  He's bright.  He understands.  He's played.  He's got experience, so it's not too big for him.  It's been a good addition."

That experience is one of the biggest things that Lowery brings to the table for the Colts,  as he has appeared in 82 games and started 54 in his eight-year career so far.  Spending time with the New York Jets (2008-2010), Jacksonville Jaguars (2011-2013), and Atlanta Falcons (2014), Lowery has recorded 259 tackles, four sacks, 50 passes defensed, 12 interceptions (two touchdowns) and seven forced fumbles in his career.  With the Falcons last year, Lowery started 15 games and appeared in all 16, notching 79 tackles, a sack, five passes defensed, two picks, and two forced fumbles.

He likely won't end up having the biggest impact of the free agent class the Colts brought in this offseason, but Dwight Lowery could end up playing a key role for a team that has clear Super Bowl expectations in 2015.  He is adjusting to the team's defense quickly and impressing his head coach with that adjustment and his experience, and if Lowery can stay healthy, he'll likely be the Colts' starting safety this season.  And considering the team's desperate need at safety before the signing, there's little doubt about this certainly being a good addition for the Colts.