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Personally, if I were a GM, my philosophy would be to sign offensive players via free agency and draft almost exclusively defense, offensive line, and late round RB.
My theory is that offensive players are skill players, and skills can be developed over time. Also, the QB makes average WR look great (cough cough Albert Wilson).
Defense being so reliant on speed and athleticism, I'd rather get my young players there in the draft, rather than sign the Josh Normans of the world, who might excel in a scheme but not translate across the board. Additionally, so much of defensive success is based on uncontrollable variables, given its reactive nature. A CB who isn't thrown at doesn't get interceptions. An ILB with a shitty DL can't make tackles, etc. It's harder to gauge in FA, I feel like.
Also, I feel like Belichick has used this method for years. Populate your skill positions with inexpensive guys who can execute a scheme and draft defensive players.
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