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Chuck Pagano Analyzes Colts Free Agents

Intro: Chuck Pagango was a busy man on Tuesday analyzing the Colts new free agent additions. What are his thoughts on the newest members of the Colts?

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PHOENIX – Unlike virtually every other coach in the AFC, Chuck Pagano's media session on Tuesday wasn't too concerned about the quarterback position.

Instead, the interest was on the Colts new free agent additions coming to Indianapolis.

Now, we take a closer look at the free agent additions of 2015 and what Pagano thinks of those moves.

Running Back Frank Gore

"He obviously gives us a guy that can be a productive runner for us and somebody that has played a lot of football. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can pass protect, he's an every down back so he can help us in every regard. You put the tape on and you still see the production.

"He loves football. He brings great passion. He brings great leadership to our team and to our locker room. He bolsters a position where we have a need."

Bowen's Analysis: From day one, Chuck Pagano has said that in order to win a championship, a consistent running game must be a staple. Pagano feels that Gore is a step in that direction and the new addition is already "speaking the Colts language." According to Pagano, the Colts are getting a running back who is always falling forward and is able to be a workhorse type back. The Colts won't ask Gore to carry that type of workload though, knowing the importance of pacing him throughout the week to keep him ready for Sunday's at the age of 32. Ryan Grigson also mentioned on Tuesday how Gore "commands respect" from his peers and sees a "field general" in the new Colts running back.

Wide Receiver Andre Johnson

"He's a big, physical presence because he can make contested catches. He's a big body guy that can still separate, create separation. He's got a big catch radius. I think he can still run and I know he can still run. He's not afraid to go over the middle. He's not afraid to catch the ball in the traffic, all those types of things. He's a great competitor."

Bowen's Analysis: Pagano broke down the skillsets of T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief and how Andre Johnson will mix with those guys. Corners that have the length to physically match up with Johnson (6-3 and 220 pounds) aren't too abundant in the NFL. Johnson's first step is obviously not going to be that of Hilton or Moncrief but the Colts feel they have added that elusive frame who still demands plenty of respect from opposing defenses.

Offensive Lineman Todd Herremans

"He brings toughness, intelligence, durability. We feel like he's still got some position flexibility. Another guy that you add into the room that is going to bring great football IQ and toughness and intelligence to that room and kind of be a tone setter in that room."

Bowen's Analysis: In talking to former Eagles head coach Andy Reid, who coached Herremans for eight seasons, on Tuesday he called the veteran offensive lineman "dirty tough." Pagano said that in his conversations with Herremans, he feels the Colts are getting another "pro's pro" to mix into an offensive line group with starting-type depth. Herremans will be in competition with Hugh Thornton for the starting right guard spot.

Defensive End Kendall Langford

"He's good against the run. He's big. He's stout. He can hold the point. He can give you some pass rush on sub downs. He's got length. He's smart. He loves the game. He plays with great effort."

Bowen's Analysis: Langford will be asked to fill the void of Cory Redding. Pagano believes that Langford has the ability to slide inside on passing downs after being an impact guy on earlier run downs. The durability of Langford (112 straight starts, most in the NFL for a defensive lineman) was a major factor in the Colts trying to acquire him this offseason. The Colts have battled injuries in the defensive trenches the past couple of years so Langford's health will be key, while some younger guys behind him continue to develop.

Outside Linebacker Trent Cole

"We are hopeful he will bring the same thing he brought to the Eagles defense for so many years. They say he loves hunting and our mantra is, 'Let's hunt.' It fits right in. He plays with relentless effort. He's got a skillset that we feel like he can set the edge in the run game, can rush the passer."

Bowen's Analysis: The Colts needed to find a quality talent at a premium position this offseason and that's where Cole fits into the mix. Former Eagles head coach Andy Reid spoke glowingly on Cole and also used the word "relentless" to describe the 10-year vet. Cole has transitioned from a traditional 4-3 end to more of a stand up role later in his career, which is more along the lines of how the Colts will use him (still primarily a pass rusher). With the uncertain rehab around Robert Mathis, Cole's role, and style of play, will be much needed off the edge.

Inside Linebacker Nate Irving

"We know he's rehabbing right now and he's got to get healthy. The tape that we watched on him when he was healthy, he's a good football player. He's a downhill guy. He's a tough guy. He's a sideline to sideline. He loves playing the game."

Bowen's Analysis: Take one look at the Colts inside linebacker depth chart and the need for another inside linebacker was obvious. Pagano said that Irving will "absolutely" be in the mix for one of the starting inside linebacker spots but his rehab from a midseason ACL injury will be the factor to watch in when he can get back on the field. Irving is a player that can play MIKE or WILL linebacker and that versatility was important.

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