While there was a frenzy of action on day one of free agency, one thing was noticeable. The Washington Redskins were not major players in the big splash. Yes, they did sign someone on the first day. However, they were not in play for Suh or Revis nor were they involved in any of the big trades. This is a sign of the change that Scot McCloughan is bringing in to D.C.
McCloughan stated back in his introductory press conference in January that, although free agency is important, there would be more focus on the draft. This is a vast change from Redskins teams of prior years. Spending big on big names in free agency has always been the way of Daniel Snyder. None of that took place on March 10, 2015.
While the Redskins still have several glaring holes to fill, the need to fill them with a household big name was not in question. While the Redskins did inquire during the 3 day tampering period with a couple of the bigger name available (Devin McCourty, Jerry Hughes and Byron Maxwell) nothing ever became serious. They still are major players in with Terrance Knighton. He came in for a visit on Wednesday.
McCloughan is known around the league for his evaluation of young talent. Look for Washington to use this eye and knowledge to improve their team with a bevy of draft picks. The Redskins hold the 5th overall pick in the 2015 Draft. Depending on who is available at that spot the Redskins could be a hot target. They may also choose to stay and use the pick on a need or best available. McCloughan has been known to “reach” on a player or two before. Just look at when he drafted Bruce Irvin. Irvin on many boards was a day 2 pick. McCloughan took him with the 15th overall selection in 2012.
This may just be what the Redskins need to turn around a franchise that had finished dead last in its division 8 out of the past 12 years. It is proven that you cannot buy championships in sports. You may be able to add key pieces with money but you will never be able to build a winner without development. If McCloughan and the Redskins hold by this philosophy, which I believe they can, then the change plane may just become grounded in Washington.