Ranking the 2015 Impact of the Indianapolis Colts' Free-Agent Signings so Far

There has yet to be a free-agency period go by in Ryan Grigson's career in which he hasn't been active, and 2015 may be his best yet.

After uneven hauls in the last three seasons, the Indianapolis Colts looked primed to squeeze the most possible talent out of their free agents in 2015, with a few depth moves shouldering the load of several well-known talents.

The age of the Colts' free-agent signings will limit the full impact long-term, but the team should get several very important contributions in 2015, and potentially in 2016 as well. The offensive side of the ball should especially see a boost.

Based on age, talent, projected playing time and potential to impact the Colts' chances of winning, here are the free agents that will most impact the Colts' 2015 season.

6. Todd Herremans

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There is a key factor in how much of an impact Todd Herremans makes in 2015: Hugh Thornton.

The third-year guard will be competing with Herremans for the right guard position, and the battle will likely depend on how well Thornton has recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2014 season. In the past, Herremans might have won this battle easily, but he struggled in 2014, and 32-year-old linemen usually don't just bounce back from down years.

But even if Herremans doesn't win the battle for the starting spot, there will certainly be a chance to contribute. The Colts offensive line was decimated by injuries in 2014, having the third-highest Adjusted Games Lost on the offensive line, according to Scott Kacsmar of Football Outsiders. As a versatile depth player, Herremans will join Joe Reitz as a critical "sixth man," so to speak.

5. Kendall Langford

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While Kendall Langford should earn a starting spot from the get-go, his level of play may be too limited to land higher on this list.

Make no mistake, Langford can certainly play, and unless the Colts draft a stud lineman who steps up and wins the starting 5-tech defensive end job in training camp, Langford will have ample time to prove it.

But the 29-year-old lineman has struggled in full-time starting jobs in the past, both in Miami's 3-4 and in St. Louis' 4-3. The Colts need Langford to replace Cory Redding, who has been the team's best down lineman for the last three seasons. While Arthur Jones is supposed to take Redding's role as a leader and a dependable playmaker, Langford still has big shoes to fill.

4. Nate Irving

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Depending on Nate Irving's role, his impact on the 2015 Colts could vary greatly.

In 2014, Irving was a very strong starter for the Denver Broncos, racking up 46 combined tackles in eight games. He was a fast, dynamic player who was stout against the run.

But Irving is coming back from a torn ACL, and his recovery will play a big part in how much he is able to contribute. With Jerrell Freeman and D'Qwell Jackson both likely returning in 2015, Irving will probably play a reserve role, with an eye on replacing Jackson in case of injury.

Freeman's ability in coverage gives him a unique edge over Jackson and Irving for three-down duties, but the Colts needed another run-stuffing linebacker for situational and rotational purposes, and Irving will be useful.

3. Trent Cole

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While Trent Cole would have made a much bigger difference three years ago, the 32-year-old still has some left in the tank, or so the Colts are hoping.

The Colts are paying $8 million a year for Cole, but that's the price of pass rush more so than an accurate reflection of what Cole has left. Still, Cole projects as a starter at strong-side outside linebacker for Indianapolis, and he and Robert Mathis should make a formidable duo on the edges.

Cole's ability to both rush the passer and stop the run is key here. If he was a pure pass-rushing specialist, he probably would be a rotational player only, but with his stability in run defense, Cole becomes a more-than-adequate starter.

No, he might not reach double-digit sacks or get Pro Bowl-type numbers, but Cole's presence as a pass-rushing threat will be a huge boost to a Colts defense that desperately needs playmakers.

2. Frank Gore

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Like most of the names on this list, Frank Gore is past his prime. But the 31-year-old running back still has something left in the tank.

With Gore's strengths coming in the mental, instinctive part of the game, his skills should translate well to Indianapolis, giving the Colts a steadying force in the ground game for the first time in years. The Colts desperately needed some balance offensively last season, and Gore should aid in that regard.

But Gore is also a key influence in the Colts' long-term plans. Gore will play a big role in developing a young running back, and his all-around game of running, receiving and pass protecting will allow the Colts to bring a potential draft pick up as quickly or as slowly as they desire.

If he's a part of a running back committee in 2015, he may not have the numbers he's used to producing, but Gore's true impact won't be measured by total yards.

1. Andre Johnson

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Andre Johnson may be aging, but his less-than-impressive numbers in 2014 were more a product of his quarterback and situation than they were of Johnson's steep decline.

As Bleacher Report's own Cian Fahey said, Johnson's skills should allow him to age well in the Indianapolis offense:

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His well-rounded athleticism and understanding of how to create space with his precise route running make for a rare combination. His ball skills at the catch point will allow him to be effective even when he can't create separation anymore, similar to what Boldin has done for a few years in San Francisco and Baltimore.

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Fortunately for Indianapolis, this kind of savvy possession receiver is exactly what the Colts needed to fill Reggie Wayne's old role. Johnson still has the ability to have a season like Wayne had in 2012, only this time the Colts will have a bona fide No. 1 receiver in T.Y. Hilton opposite him.

If Gore adds in the balance the Colts hope he'll bring, the Colts offense could truly join the elite ranks in 2015.