Indianapolis Colts 2015 Training Camp Profile: S Dwight Lowery

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Indianapolis Colts Training Camp Profile: Dwight Lowery
Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Dwight Lowery signing with the Indianapolis Colts did not grab top headlines in the 2015 NFL offseason. However, Lowery could end up being one of the most important signings for the Colts because of his starting experience at the safety position over his seven-year career.

Lowery has been a starting safety for the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and Atlanta Falcons, starting 15 of 16 regular season games for the Falcons last season. He had 79 tackles with 60 of them being solo tackles, and he intercepted the ball twice. This was the first time since his rookie season Lowery had played in all 16 regular season games.

The Falcons did have the worst pass defense last season, but this problem was not because of Lowery. The Falcons had no way to generate any pass rush, so quarterbacks had a lot of time to stand in the pocket to find open receivers. Lowery and the rest of the secondary did their best to cover opposing receivers, but no defensive back can cover a receiver if the quarterback can stand in the pocket for four or five seconds.

The Colts also needed safety help after releasing LaRon Landry. The team re-signed safety Mike Adams, who started all 16 games for them last season. The team also re-signed Colt Anderson, but he is primarily a special teams player. They addressed their secondary needs in the 2015 NFL Draft by selecting D’Joun Smith and Clayton Geathers. However, they can’t afford having a rookie starting at safety at the beginning of the season, making the Lowery signing imperative.

The Colts were 12th in pass defense last season, but they gave up 27 passing touchdowns and only generated 12 interceptions as a team so there’s room for improvement. Lowery is much better in pass coverage, and he can be an immediate impact player on defense if he can build off his strong 2014 season.

Lowery reads receiver routes well and attacksthe ball when it’s in the air. Adams is a capable free safety, but he is a better run stopper than in pass coverage. If both of these guys remain healthy, they will complement each other well and allow the Colts to bring up Smith and Geathers slowly.

His arrival in Indy went under the radar, but Lowery could end up being the most undervalued free agent signing this season. He fits into the Colts’ defensive scheme, and if he can have similar production to what he had with the Falcons, the Colts will have one of the NFL’s top 10 defenses in 2015.

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