Breaking Down the Top 10 New Faces on the 2015 Washington Redskins

The 2015 vintage of the Washington Redskins is virtually unrecognizable from the one that began the 2014 NFL season. New general manager Scot McCloughan has ensured that by adding 10 draft picks and six key free agents.

But who are the best players he's brought to D.C. to try to revive the Burgundy and Gold? Of the three defensive linemen he signed, one particularly large new man stands out as the marquee arrival.

It's a similar story in the secondary. McCloughan added three veterans to a group long overdue for a major overhaul of talent. But it's not the priciest signing who really stands out here. Instead, a veteran safety could make the biggest difference.

Yet if you're talking impact, perhaps no new face will make as much difference as top draft pick Brandon Scherff. He's the key to finally solidifying one of the worst offensive lines in football.

Find out who made the cut as the top 10 new faces on this year's team.

How They're Ranked

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Members of the list were ranked on three distinct categories. They are projected talent, scheme improvement and culture change.

The three categories are closely linked. Projected talent is a brief description of what the Redskins got for their money. Basically, it's a mini-rundown of what each new face can and can't do.

Then the question becomes how much will said new face improve the schemes. Considering many of the new additions have been made with specific scheme changes in mind, all entrants scored high in this category.

Finally, each member of the list is also judged on how they will help facilitate the kind of culture change a franchise that's won just seven games in two years needs. Washington has undergone a personality makeover this offseason as McCloughan has molded a bigger, tougher team on both sides of the ball. How well do the new faces meet that criteria?

The list is ranked in ascending order.

One final point to note is that the list is not all player-specific. This means several draft picks, mostly the late-rounders, missed the cut, along with two of McCloughan's free-agency acquisitions.

These determinations were made so that two new faces on the coaching staff could be included, along with McCloughan himself. Considering how important these three men will be to Washington's latest rebuilding effort, there was simply no justification for writing a list like this and leaving them off it.

With that in mind, read on to find out the three most prominent new faces who missed the cut. 

Who Missed the Cut

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Jeron Johnson was the hardest cut to make. The former Seattle Seahawks backup safety naturally scored very high for the culture change category.

After all, he's arrived from a franchise that's now a proven and consistent winner. Johnson's also been a part of the rotation for the famed Legion of Boom secondary, a defensive backfield notorious for the way it punishes receivers.

Greater physicality and a winning habit is just what the Redskins are hoping to kick-start in 2015.

Yet Johnson didn't make the top 10 because he's not a clear candidate. The strong safety is currently locked in a positional battle with Duke Ihenacho.

During OTAs, the pair have split time working with the first-team defense, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post. Of course, competition is a natural part of the process at this time of year on the NFL calendar.

But if Johnson is ticketed for rotational work, he can't justify a spot on the final list.

The same is true for defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois. While fellow new boys Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea are good bets to start, Francois looks more like a rotational option.

It's a role he knows well, having played it for the San Francisco 49ers before becoming a middling starter with the Indianapolis Colts. There's also the not-so small matter of Francois being a fairly uninspiring signing.

Aside from his familiarity with McCloughan, who drafted him for the Niners in 2009, there isn't much to recommend Francois. He struggles against the run and offers only an average threat as a pass-rusher.

Fourth-round pick Jamison Crowder should be on the list. His skills as a slot receiver and return man could key significant improvements for both the passing game and special teams.

But the onetime Duke ace is currently facing allegations of domestic violence, per Todd Dybas of The Washington Times. The situation is still unresolved and unclear, naturally casting a major doubt over Crowder's immediate future.

Right, on with the list.

10. Matt Jones, RB

Matt Jones' potential impact could be measured in two distinct ways. The first will be based on exactly how he fits into the new ground schemes.

On the surface, he's an ideal fit for a rushing attack that will incorporate more power principles in 2015, according to Real Redskins blogger Rich Tandler. At 6'2" and 231 pounds, Jones is a true bruiser between the tackles. He won't shy away from contact and will make defenders pay a heavy price for trying to stop him.

But exactly how many carries should he expect in a rotation headed by three-time 1,000-yard rusher Alfred Morris? That's a tough call considering Morris is coming off something of a down year and is a free agent in 2016.

Yet he's still the best running back on the roster. He'll also be running in a scheme that will still retain the zone elements that have helped make him a star, but will also give him more opportunities to square his shoulders and pound the inside.

Morris already sounds as though he can't wait to get rolling in the new system, per Tom Schad of The Washington Times: “It’s just a knockout, drag-out style of play, and I just love it."

So where does that leave Jones? Well, he could find himself initially limited to short-yardage work, according to B/R analyst Matt Bowen. That makes sense given the ex-Gators star's skill set.

But there's more to Jones than meets the eye. He's also a surprisingly strong candidate to win a role as the third-down back thanks to his deceptive talent as a receiver.

Jones has flashed that talent during OTAs, catching the eye of head coach Jay Gruden in the process, according to the team's official Twitter account. Yet it remains to be seen if Jones is explosive enough to be a true matchup weapon on football's money down.

He might have a flair for receiving, but it's one largely untapped. He caught just 19 passes in three seasons at Florida, per Sports-Reference.com.

Jones answers this team's need for more bruising power in the backfield. He could also emerge as the useful pair of hands out of it that quarterback Robert Griffin III needs.

But with Morris still a safe bet to start and with speedier duo of Chris Thompson and Trey Williams offering more big-play potential as receivers, Jones is left to prop up this list.

9. Preston Smith, OLB

Like Jones, Preston Smith faces a fight to make himself relevant as a rookie. The difference is Washington's second-round pick is joining a position group needing more of a boost than running back.

After managing a paltry 36 sacks in 2014, the Redskins need more pressure and big plays up front. Even though the team will play a more hybrid, multiple-front defense in the new season, this is still a scheme that's 3-4 in principle. That means the lion's share of pressure has to come from the outside linebackers.

One spot is amply filled by Pro Bowler Ryan Kerrigan, a true terror off the edge who's gotten better every year he's been in the league. It's the other spot that's a lingering question mark. Smith will compete with 2014 second-rounder Trent Murphy for the right to fill it.

At the moment, Murphy looks the safer bet. He's excellent against the run and has more experience playing in space.

Still, Smith's core versatility and pass-rush talent remain intriguing. He was working with the starters to begin minicamp, according to ESPN.com reporter John Keim. But Smith was merely filling in for Kerrigan.

The player who can play either end spot, as well as 3-technique or 0-tech, still seems best suited to a situational role in Year 1. But given how often defenses rely on sub-package fronts in today's pass-happy NFL, Smith will still have a vital part to play.

8. Stephen Paea, DT

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Paea was one of the more intriguing signings Washington made during free agency. He's intriguing because his arrival is the clearest sign possible of how much the Redskins' 3-4 scheme is set to change.

It's not going to be the traditional, two-gap front previous coordinator Jim Haslett called during four mediocre seasons. Instead, this will be an attacking defense with linemen given license to split single gaps, or as Gruden put it back in January, per Mike Jones of The Washington Post, "a shoot-the-gap-type 3-4."

There's no doubt Paea is a great fit for that type of defense. He's coming off a career year chasing down quarterbacks. The 27-year-old was in on six sacks for the Chicago Bears last season.

It's that ability to pressure the interior of the pocket that encouraged the Redskins to pay Paea, B/R analyst Matt Bowen told Jones. In fact, Bowen's description depicted a roving front-line playmaker who could be asked to apply pressure from a variety of alignments: "If you think Paea is better getting off the ball, you put him in the shade, or you put him in the A-Gap, play under."

Versatility will be a key to how quickly and significantly Paea makes an impact in Washington. At the moment, he seems like a one-gap end on the three-man front, likely aligned in the guard-tackle B-gap.

But the player also possesses plenty of experience as a nose guard over center. It's that experience that could encourage new Washington defensive coordinator Joe Barry to get creative with his linemen.

Paea recently described a few basic variants, per CSN Washington's JP Finlay: "When we go sub, we still have the package where I play nose. Or I'm with TK [Knighton] and he plays nose."

While that level of flexibility is certainly welcome, struggles against the run leave Paea this low on the list. He can be moved off the ball in the ground game and is easily swallowed up by double-teams.

That should be a concern in an NFC East boasting more than its share of talented running backs and offensive lines.

7. Chris Culliver, CB

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Chris Culliver is another defensive import who exudes toughness and the kind of physicality Washington's decision-makers are trying to emphasize. The former San Francisco 49ers starter has already won over coaches and onlookers with his combative style of play.

During OTAs, Barry highlighted how aggressive his new cover man likes to play receivers, per ESPN.com's John Keim: "Culliver just wants to get in your face and be physical and get his hands on you. You can’t ask for anything more from a corner.”

In a separate report, Keim himself noted how impressed he was with Culliver's habit of clamping on would-be pass-catchers: "He’s disciplined and doesn’t allow a lot of separation."

That's exactly the type of rough-and-tumble coverage the Redskins need for 2015. They play in a division loaded with big wideouts, such as Dez Bryant, Riley Cooper, Jordan Matthews and Odell Beckham Jr.

It's vital for this defense to start winning the physical battles on the edge more often. Culliver will ensure the necessary shift in both scheme and personality to make more of those individual victories possible.

He doesn't rank higher here for two reasons. The first is the competition at cornerback. While Culliver continues to start during OTAs and minicamp, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post, it would be foolish to consider every spot at the edges of the secondary a lock at this point.

Last season's rookie sensation Bashaud Breeland remains a key figure. So does returning veteran DeAngelo Hall. There's also 2013 second-round pick David Amerson to consider.

Of course, after a breakout 2014 season during which he snatched a career-best four interceptions, Culliver should be expected to start. But he's a gambler in coverage who's opportunistic streak can get him into trouble.

Speaking of trouble, he's been involved in plenty off the field. That's something that always attaches a strong element of risk to any new signing.

6. Dashon Goldson, FS

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Snagging Dashon Goldson was a smart and calculated gamble from McCloughan. He knows the player well from his days in San Francisco, even though the 2007 fourth-rounder didn't really hit his stride until after McCloughan left town.

But Washington desperately needed a natural free safety to secure the last line of defense. Goldson certainly has the experience to do just that.

The 30-year-old has already been described as "the quarterback of the secondary" by Barry, per ESPN.com writer John Keim. He needs to be exactly that for a Redskins secondary undermined by dire play at safety for too long.

The concern is Goldson is no longer the player who went to a pair of Pro Bowls as a member of the 49ers. Instead, he's coming off two dismal seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Despite his poor performances, Goldson was "shocked" to be traded, according to Liz Clarke of The Washington Post. She notes how the player is determined to earn a measure of "redemption" in Washington.

He'll realize that hope if he doesn't make the same mistakes in coverage graybeard Ryan Clark was often guilty of in 2014. Goldson needs to be more disciplined in the deep zones, while also rediscovering the quick strides and thunderous hitting that made him a star in San Francisco.

Writing for ESPN.com, Keim noted how Goldson already looks happier with his surroundings than he was in Florida. That's a start, but the more encouraging sentiment comes from Goldson and how he sees himself in Barry's system: "I do know he's happy to be out of Tampa Bay and feels like this defense allows him to be more of who he is, an attacking free safety."

The Redskins may have pounced on a talented option for a position that was crying out to be upgraded at exactly the right time. Goldson has a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove.

If Barry's scheme protects safeties better than Haslett's did, this veteran will look like a real steal.

5. Bill Callahan, Offensive Line Coach

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It really was a coup when Washington landed Bill Callahan to coach the offensive line. Actually, coach may not even be the right word.

Let's face it, Callahan is being counted on to produce a miracle. His lofty reputation indicates he might even be able to deliver one.

He arrived from bitter enemy the Dallas Cowboys, where he molded a group of highly-touted, yet undeniably raw prospects into one of the most formidable front fives in the NFL.

Callahan's greatest impact was felt in the running game. On his watch, the Cowboys became the groundhogs of the league last season, stomping their way to a division title and playoff win.

Running back DeMarco Murray clinched the rushing title lugging the rock behind a powerful and versatile group. It's the same kind of dynamic the Redskins want and need for Morris and the men in front of him.

The only problem is Callahan won't be working with the same quality of raw materials he had in Dallas. There he presided over the development of three first-round picks in the form of tackle Tyron Smith, guard Zack Martin and center Travis Frederick.

The bounty isn't nearly as rich in Washington, despite Scherff joining Pro Bowler Trent Williams to potentially form a bookend pair of former first-round picks at tackle. But the rest of Callahan's crew will require all his teaching and expertise to get up to speed.

Even with that it will likely still take a not-so small leap of faith believing Shawn Lauvao, Kory Lichtensteiger and Spencer Long can form the type of mauling interior trio the Redskins need to dominate the trenches and key a power-based ground attack.

Callahan has been a master at getting un-nuanced linemen quickly up to speed. If he can do the same in Washington, he'll revive a dormant running game and create the better protection Griffin needs to make any strides in his development possible.

Achieving all that in one season is a tall order. Callahan may be the best line coach in football, but his reputation alone can't mask the scale of the task in front of him.

4. Matt Cavanaugh, Quarterbacks Coach

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When the dust settles on Washington's 2015 season, the decision to hire Matt Cavanaugh as quarterbacks coach could look like the best move McCloughan has made.

If Cavanaugh can coax significant improvement from Griffin, he'll solve the major question mark hovering above this team's present and future. The Redskins have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but it will count for naught until Griffin improves.

Having a dedicated position coach, something he lacked in 2014, will certainly help. On a big-picture level, Cavanaugh's presence has already freed up Gruden and offensive coordinator Sean McVay to focus on other details, according to Mike Jones of The Washington Post.

Having the head coach work so closely with Griffin, his on-field extension, was always an unhealthy dynamic. Now Griffin can receive the individual tutelage he needs from a coach who won't decide whether he keeps his job or not.

It will help to learn from someone as experienced as Cavanaugh. His career history includes helping a limited but prominent high draft choice quickly adapt to the NFL when he was responsible for Mark Sanchez's schooling with the New York Jets.

That's a relevant example considering Griffin's status as the second overall pick in 2012 seemingly prevents the Redskins from giving up on him despite the serious flaws in his game.

Adapting to challenging quarterbacks is something Cavanaugh has always managed well. He helped get Elvis Grbac up to speed as a replacement for an injured Steve Young for the 49ers back in 1996.

Cavanaugh did even better work when he coaxed enough offense out of Trent Dilfer for the Baltimore Ravens in 2000, the year the AFC North outfit won the Super Bowl.

Cavanaugh certainly has his work cut out for him with Griffin. Footwork, accuracy, reads and timing all need major improvement.

But having a specific teacher in place to act as a buffer between Griffin and Gruden, whose relationship has always been strained at best, is an excellent idea. Cavanaugh could turn out to be the best acquisition of this offseason.

3. Brandon Scherff, OT

McCloughan should have scored major points for being bold enough to stick to his plan on draft day. That meant taking Brandon Scherff off the board instead of falling for the lure of more touted prospects at marquee positions.

Scherff certainly wasn't a glamor pick as a potential guard conversion who's since switched from left tackle to the right side. But as college football's best O-lineman, the former Iowa road-grader was just what the team that surrendered 58 sacks in 2014 needed.

The 6'5", 319-pounder can lock down a spot that's been a major headache since 2010. Jammal Brown, Tyler Polumbus and Tom Compton have all failed to secure the right side.

He will surely fare better after coming off the draft board fifth overall. However, the transition won't be all plain sailing.

Scherff is apparently already finding the switch difficult, according to Gruden, per 106.7 The Fan host Brian McNally. Yet that needn't be the cue for alarm bells to ring just yet.

The rookie is bound to incur some growing pains as he learns a new position. What the Redskins can count on him to do is add the kind of nasty physicality they need up front.

Scherff exudes aggression, particularly in the running game. It's one reason why B/R analyst Matt Bowen loved the pick.

He correctly views Scherff as a key building block for McCloughan's bid to construct a tougher, blue collar-style team on both sides of the ball.

If Scherff delivers, both sides of Washington's offensive line will be secure for the first time since the days when Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen flanked two guards and a center.

Then the Redskins might at least field a line that's not only no longer a liability, but can be a weapon that drives this offense.

2. Scot McCloughan, General Manager

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It may seem strange to many to rank the architect of Washington's rebuilding effort anywhere else other than top spot on this list. But automatically putting McCloughan in the catbird seat would incorrectly presuppose two things.

The first is that every one of his signings should be readily assumed to be brilliant moves. They aren't.

There are already issues with Johnson, Francois and Crowder. While McCloughan perhaps couldn't have anticipated the latter's off-field issues, there were better options in free agency than either Johnson or Francois.

As for Paea, he has to prove he can stand up to the run or he risks undermining the base defense. Smith is not a lock to make the major contribution a sluggish pass rush needs. Many, including B/R's Michael Felder, have questioned his suitability for the position he was drafted to play.

Second, it's tricky to assume McCloughan's masterplan will naturally translate to wins. After all, this is the same GM who drafted Alex Smith ahead of Aaron Rodgers and appointed Mike Singletary as head coach.

The 49ers only started winning once McCloughan left, albeit with a strong element of the roster he'd built. Yet there are still question marks Redskins fans shouldn't easily ignore.

What McCloughan has really brought to D.C. this offseason is clarity and cohesion of purpose. For the first time in an age, there's a definite and easy to identify plan in place.

It's obvious to every onlooker how the Redskins are building. They are getting bigger and tougher in the trenches while being more physical in other key areas.

McCloughan deserves plaudits for sticking faithfully to that plan. He's stuck to it even if it meant targeting players who pundits and writers (myself included) may be be wary of.

For a franchise that's often deviated from a plan to pursue the shiniest object in the shop, a general manager this decisive is more than a breath of fresh air. McCloughan may not deliver a championship in Washington, but he's a good bet to at least put the framework for winning in place.

1. Terrance Knighton, NT

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While McCloughan sits in second, his best signing rightfully tops this list. Terrance Knighton recently proclaimed himself the "biggest steal" of free agency, per Sports Illustrated's Don Banks.

Based on what he can do to anchor a defense that's played five seasons without a natural focal point, he may be right. Every 3-4 defense needs a man over center who will occupy double-teams and fill running lanes.

Knighton has made those two things a career forte. He's one of the best immovable objects in the NFL. Where the player dubbed "Pot Roast" goes, a stout run defense usually follows.

That's certainly welcome news for Washington in the NFC East. But while running backs and interior offensive linemen will detest the sight of Knighton, his fellow members of the Redskins front seven will love him.

He's a guarantee to keep blockers off the linebackers and create favorable, one-on-one matchups along the front. He did both those things for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos.

That's what puts Knighton at the top of this list. He's not the kind of experiment or projection Washington has tried to get by with at the most important position on the defense over the last five years.

Instead, Knighton's the real deal. He'll make everyone around him better.

That's a wrap for this list, one that shows how smart the Redskins have been tailoring new faces to necessary changes in both scheme and personnel.

All statistics and player information via NFL.com, unless otherwise stated.