RICHMOND, Va. — Think of Scot McCloughan the NFL talent evaluator, and a single phrase comes to mind. The man just wants “football players.”



During his two years as general manager for the Washington Redskins, McCloughan repeated that mantra over and over. Listening to the grit and guttural intonation behind the words meant no additional definition required, but the football lifer passionately provides one when asked.



“It’s not just the talent level, but it’s the person you get, the character,” McCloughan told The Athletic last week. “The toughness, the competitiveness, the understanding that I’m fighting every day for my life. I’ve got to take care of my wife, my kids, my mom, whatever it is. You see that “It” factor. That’s when you’re rolling.”



McCloughan, considered a scouting savant by some, made two first-round selections in Washington. Brawling Pro Bowl left guard...