 |
| Ozzie Newsome is top GM in the NFL |
by Chad Jones
1 Ozzie Newsome Baltimore
Ozzie runs a collaborative effort from Owner Steve Bisciotti on down. Built predominantly through the draft, the Ravens also make shrewd FA signings to supplement. Heir apparent Eric DeCosta & experienced Capologist Pat Moriarty makes consistently right decisions on who to retain longterm, and show a willingness to let auxiliary pieces depart on a yearly basis, showing unparalleled ability to find replacements on Draft Day.
2 Ted Thompson Green Bay
Overseeing the leagues smallest market, the Packers rarely venture into Free Agency, and build their roster through the draft. Thompson locks up the irreplaceable players, and fills out the roster on a yearly basis with draft picks & a significant group of Undrafted Free Agents. It's a Front Office that has tried & true evaluation philosophy & organizational vision.
3 Kevin Colbert Pittsburgh
One of the leagues premier Franchises, the organization maintains it's Family owned small business charm while being a major entity on a yearly basis. Most notably seen through decades of pass rushers, the Steelers have a strong evaluation framework that's sought to acquire talent via the draft for a Defensive Scheme that's been utilized in some capacity for over 3 decades. It's a consistent organization that bears the ramifications of free agent departures without missing a beat.
4 Thomas Dimitroff Atlanta
Assuming the reigns at the culmination of the Michael Vick era, Dimitroff rebuild the roster via strong drafts. Immediately adding the Franchise Quarterback provided the launching pad for 5 consecutive winning seasons, but Dimitroff's willingness to take risk is what's unique in contrast to his counterparts. A Parcells' protege, he's shown his own distinct style in constructing the Falcons roster, while maintaing many of the philosophies of the Tuna. It's a forward-thinking group that welcomes debate to build consensus.
5 Trent Baalke San Francisco
Baalke has overseen the revival of the 49ers Franchise, from hiring the Head Coach to building a physically imposing team after a decade of disappointment. Set to move to Santa Clara in 2015, it's a move that parallels the way the 49ers think organizationally. They're deeply reliant on Analytics for Cap Management, but employ an old school coach. It's an organization that fully embraces its history, and looks towards future evolution to maintain success.
6 Jerry Reese New York Giants
Longtime employee is trusted by Ownership, and thus allowed to creatively build the roster. Many viewed Reese's drafting as unconventional, adding pass rushers on a yearly basis. The results have impacted league-wide thinking. Reese exercises discretion with the Salary Cap, and refuses to overpay to retain players. Reese's greatest ability has been finding a rapport with the leagues oldest coach, whose evolution can partly be attributed to this relationship dynamic. Reese may prefer high upside players, while Coughlin prefers surefire contributors- Regardless, they've struck an effective balance
7 Bill Belichick New England
Belichick is a stronger Coach than Talent Evaluator. Almost the antithesis of former mentor Bill Parcells, his drafts have gone down hill over his tenure. In terms of managing existing talent, the organization effectively makes decisions on who must be retained. The talent gap on the Defense is why Bill's not higher on this list.
8 Ryan Grigson Indianapolis
Arriving from Philadelphia, the new era was catalyzed by new Franchise Quarterback Andrew Luck. For years under Polian, the Colts were a soft Cover-2 team and that feature spread across the entire Franchise. Grigson immediately changed the organization, implementing a 3-4 Defense & creating a new concept build around physicality. It was a major shift that took a bold new visionary to orchestrate.
9 Rick Smith Houston
The proverbial window could be closing on the Texans, but the 2000s Expansion Franchise is now a legitimate force. After replacing inaugural GM Charlie Casserly, Smith has overseen effective drafts, the trade for a Franchise Quarterback & multiple playoff births.
10 Rick Spielman Minnesota
Spielman assumed GM duties in 2012 after a 5 year tenure as VP of Player Personnel. Not the GM that selected Christian Ponder improves his ranking, but it's his ability to effectively draft that earns him this rank. Spielman wasn't given significant authority in becoming GM, inheriting a Coach & Quarterback; but he's found a way to continually improve the team. On another note, Ownership will never forget Spielman was the GM overseeing the team when the New Stadium Deal was consummated.
11 Les Snead St. Louis
Left hand man to Jeff Fisher, Snead sits under President Kevin Demoff leading the Rams. The teams longterm future in St. Louis is a real question mark, but Snead's put his nose to the grindstone & added major talent in 2 short years. The first major move was trading the 2nd Overall Pick to Washington, which Snead has utilize to add major pieces in the past few drafts. What's notable about Snead is his ability to gauge the league on a macro basis, and do so with precision.
12 Bruce Allen Washington
Works on Cap Management side along with talent acquisition, overseeing the Scouting Department under Head Coach Mike Shanahan. The Skins still utilize Free Agent with this tandem, but do so in pragmatic ways that produce major results. After acquiring the 2nd Overall Pick & Franchise Quarterback; Allen's proven himself a crafty maneuverer that paid a significant price to provide maverick Owner Daniel Snyder what he so coveted- A Face of the Franchise.
13 John Schneider Seattle
Unconventional would best describe Scheider & Pete Carroll's early tenure. Carroll brought a philosophy & refused to mold his scheme around the talent. In the first couple seasons, the tandem broke down the roster & began building it to their specificities. After adding the Franchise Quarterback at a bargain price, the Seahawks have done everything in their power to ensure success.
14 David Caldwell Jacksonville
Count me amongst the David Caldwell & Gus Bradley fans. I fully support their vision, and respect the way they're managing the rebuild process down to the details. Simply put, Caldwell is looking in every direction to improve the talent level on the roster. He Cut holdovers from the previous regime immediately, and will have cap flexibility next year. He's carefully managing a process that will rebuild the Jaguars- an inevitable task.
15 John Elway Denver
Established Coach & Executive Agent Bob Lamonte took control of the Broncos- representing the entire Coaching Staff & Front Office. Under McDaniel's the team was heading in the wrong direction, and aging owner Pat Bowlen- who views John as a Son-didn't have his finger on the pulse. Elway arrived, shook up the Coaching Staff & Front Office, jettisoned fan favorite Tim Tebow & now has the team competing for Championships. It's a true success story & Elway deserves credit.
16 Howie Roseman Philadelphia
Roseman & Andy Reid worked together for years, with the Walrus have the final say on personnel matters. Roseman is an experienced FO guy, but his hiring of chief 49ers Talent Evaluator Tom Gamble speaks to his perceived vulnerabilities in this area. Roseman is still highly rated because he's a consensus builder that oversaw the reshaping of the organization in a seamless manner.
17 John Dorsey Kansas City
Andy Reid had final say on personnel in Philadelphia, but will lean on Dorsey to head up the Scouting Department in KC. The Chiefs are in better hands today than they've been in a decade. Arriving from Green Bay, Dorsey will undoubtedly be an asset in the draft process.
18 Jerry Jones Dallas
Underrated, committed & knows more football than his critics give him credit. Son Stephen Jones is completely incompetent, expected to manage the Salary Cap- which he's done dismally for years. Maybe it's Jerry's ambition, but the Cap is a concern on a daily basis in Valley Ranch. In terms of drafting, the Cowboys are about league average. But it's Jerry's willingness to make bold albeit necessary moves- the most recent being the shift to a 4-3 Under & hiring Monte Kiffin that draws my praise.
19 Mickey Loomis New Orleans
Saints have regressed for a variety of reasons, but it's largely attributed to poor drafting. Loomis has lost his touch to an extend, and has thus overextended himself in signing veteran free agents to fill major voids. The Saints window of contention is closing rapidly, and it's not just the one year hiatus of Sean Payton. There's a talent gap on the roster beyond Drew Brees, and hiring Rob Ryan was the worst decision of the entire offseason, by any organization.
20 Tom Telesco San Diego
Telesco avoided brash moves, and is carefully rebuilding the Raiders. He understands that realistically the team won't challenge the Broncos in 2013, and thus seeks to rebuild the roster for the opening after Peyton rides off. The rebuilding process as long overdue, and it will not be a miraculous turnaround. It will require successful drafting, which commenced year 1 of the new regime.
21 Mike Brown Cincinnati
Contemplated putting him hire, the unconventional Brown employees a notoriously small scouting department & has been cheap in the past. Regardless, look at the young talent on the roster. From late round picks to 1st Rounders; one of the most talented teams in the league has been constructed. Question is does Brown dig into his pockets to keep this group together?
22 Dave Gettleman Carolina
Arrives from New York with a vision. Recalibrating misallocation of salary cap resources, and adequately assessed the needs & immediately addressed the holes with back-to-back Defensive Tackle selections. In year one of the evaluation of current talent, Gettleman has the Panthers trending upwards.
23 Mark Dominik Tampa Bay
Presumably at the direction of Ownership, Dominik adds marquee names in free agency & brought in a new coach last year. The issue is Schiano might not be the right man for the job, but if success comes- Dominik will move into the top 15 next year.
24 Doug Whaley Buffalo
Steelers background, newly minted GM will be evaluated in the year ahead. A smart young mind that benefits from a wealth of experience building small market clubs.
25 Michael Lombardi Cleveland
Giving Lombardi the benefit of the doubt, but I think his time has passed.
26 Jeff Ireland Miami
Ireland had a fortune to spend in Free Agency, and spent it in a frivolous manner. His failure to ensure the offensive line improved will prove an egregious oversight, and it breaks from the Parcells mindset. I question Ireland's longterm vision.
27 John Idzik New York Jets
Tremendous 1st Draft, selected the Best Players Available & jettisoned the loan asset on the roster to add additional selections. Appeased ownership by bringing in a big name, but didn't revert to previous GM Mike Tannenbaum's ways of surrendering draft picks & cap space to do so. Experience building winners in all of his stops (Tampa Bay, Arizona & Seattle), Idzik's a GM that's not deeply ideological. He's a complete pragmatist that will deal with the overbearing influence of Owner Woody Johnson.
28 Martin Mayhew Detroit
Mayhew got enthralled with the BPA Process, and left major voids on the roster for the past 5 years. All GMs say each pick was BPA, but it's a talking point. GMs marry need with value in context to the salary cap. Mayhew refused to follow this framework, and was forced to spend bigtime in Free Agency to fill voids. Even with the remaining cap space for the next few years spent, the offensive line (Foundation of a Team) is a glaring weakness.
29 Reggie McKenzie Oakland
Deck was stacked against Reggie, whose a former Packer that simply hasn't drafted well. The latest example is D.J. Hayden. While it's early, that could be a major mistake.
30 Steve Keim Arizona
New to the post & underqualified. Keim was chosen over former Patriot & Eagle Jason Licht, who remains apart of the organization. The Cardinals must develop a Franchise Quarterback, and I assumed Bruce Arians was brought on-board to catalyze that process. Instead they took a Guard, overpaid for Free Agents & view Carson Palmer as the answer.
31 Ruston Webster Tennessee
The guy that beat the table for Jake Locker. Employees an Offensive Line Coach ahead the organization, yet still must over allocate cap space to the group. Munchak might not even be a capable positional coach. Went into Free Agency with reckless abandonment, overpaying a backup running back & adding an entire taxi squad of rotational Defensive Linemen. The glaring need was at safety, where Webster acted prematurely signing George Wilson- when a better option later became available. It all goes back to Locker.
32 Phil Emery Chicago
Emery hired a Coach from Canada who hadn't been in the league since his heyday with the 49ers in the late 1990s. He thoroughly enjoys reaching on Draft Picks. Emery might be harshly graded because it appears he's breaking down the roster for a rebuild. He's overly reliant and enthusiastic about analytics; without recognizing fundamental realities.
Ozzie runs a collaborative effort from Owner Steve Bisciotti on down. Built predominantly through the draft, the Ravens also make shrewd FA signings to supplement. Heir apparent Eric DeCosta & experienced Capologist Pat Moriarty makes consistently right decisions on who to retain longterm, and show a willingness to let auxiliary pieces depart on a yearly basis, showing unparalleled ability to find replacements on Draft Day.
2 Ted Thompson Green Bay
Overseeing the leagues smallest market, the Packers rarely venture into Free Agency, and build their roster through the draft. Thompson locks up the irreplaceable players, and fills out the roster on a yearly basis with draft picks & a significant group of Undrafted Free Agents. It's a Front Office that has tried & true evaluation philosophy & organizational vision.
3 Kevin Colbert Pittsburgh
One of the leagues premier Franchises, the organization maintains it's Family owned small business charm while being a major entity on a yearly basis. Most notably seen through decades of pass rushers, the Steelers have a strong evaluation framework that's sought to acquire talent via the draft for a Defensive Scheme that's been utilized in some capacity for over 3 decades. It's a consistent organization that bears the ramifications of free agent departures without missing a beat.
4 Thomas Dimitroff Atlanta
Assuming the reigns at the culmination of the Michael Vick era, Dimitroff rebuild the roster via strong drafts. Immediately adding the Franchise Quarterback provided the launching pad for 5 consecutive winning seasons, but Dimitroff's willingness to take risk is what's unique in contrast to his counterparts. A Parcells' protege, he's shown his own distinct style in constructing the Falcons roster, while maintaing many of the philosophies of the Tuna. It's a forward-thinking group that welcomes debate to build consensus.
5 Trent Baalke San Francisco
Baalke has overseen the revival of the 49ers Franchise, from hiring the Head Coach to building a physically imposing team after a decade of disappointment. Set to move to Santa Clara in 2015, it's a move that parallels the way the 49ers think organizationally. They're deeply reliant on Analytics for Cap Management, but employ an old school coach. It's an organization that fully embraces its history, and looks towards future evolution to maintain success.
6 Jerry Reese New York Giants
Longtime employee is trusted by Ownership, and thus allowed to creatively build the roster. Many viewed Reese's drafting as unconventional, adding pass rushers on a yearly basis. The results have impacted league-wide thinking. Reese exercises discretion with the Salary Cap, and refuses to overpay to retain players. Reese's greatest ability has been finding a rapport with the leagues oldest coach, whose evolution can partly be attributed to this relationship dynamic. Reese may prefer high upside players, while Coughlin prefers surefire contributors- Regardless, they've struck an effective balance
7 Bill Belichick New England
Belichick is a stronger Coach than Talent Evaluator. Almost the antithesis of former mentor Bill Parcells, his drafts have gone down hill over his tenure. In terms of managing existing talent, the organization effectively makes decisions on who must be retained. The talent gap on the Defense is why Bill's not higher on this list.
8 Ryan Grigson Indianapolis
Arriving from Philadelphia, the new era was catalyzed by new Franchise Quarterback Andrew Luck. For years under Polian, the Colts were a soft Cover-2 team and that feature spread across the entire Franchise. Grigson immediately changed the organization, implementing a 3-4 Defense & creating a new concept build around physicality. It was a major shift that took a bold new visionary to orchestrate.
9 Rick Smith Houston
The proverbial window could be closing on the Texans, but the 2000s Expansion Franchise is now a legitimate force. After replacing inaugural GM Charlie Casserly, Smith has overseen effective drafts, the trade for a Franchise Quarterback & multiple playoff births.
10 Rick Spielman Minnesota
Spielman assumed GM duties in 2012 after a 5 year tenure as VP of Player Personnel. Not the GM that selected Christian Ponder improves his ranking, but it's his ability to effectively draft that earns him this rank. Spielman wasn't given significant authority in becoming GM, inheriting a Coach & Quarterback; but he's found a way to continually improve the team. On another note, Ownership will never forget Spielman was the GM overseeing the team when the New Stadium Deal was consummated.
11 Les Snead St. Louis
Left hand man to Jeff Fisher, Snead sits under President Kevin Demoff leading the Rams. The teams longterm future in St. Louis is a real question mark, but Snead's put his nose to the grindstone & added major talent in 2 short years. The first major move was trading the 2nd Overall Pick to Washington, which Snead has utilize to add major pieces in the past few drafts. What's notable about Snead is his ability to gauge the league on a macro basis, and do so with precision.
12 Bruce Allen Washington
Works on Cap Management side along with talent acquisition, overseeing the Scouting Department under Head Coach Mike Shanahan. The Skins still utilize Free Agent with this tandem, but do so in pragmatic ways that produce major results. After acquiring the 2nd Overall Pick & Franchise Quarterback; Allen's proven himself a crafty maneuverer that paid a significant price to provide maverick Owner Daniel Snyder what he so coveted- A Face of the Franchise.
13 John Schneider Seattle
Unconventional would best describe Scheider & Pete Carroll's early tenure. Carroll brought a philosophy & refused to mold his scheme around the talent. In the first couple seasons, the tandem broke down the roster & began building it to their specificities. After adding the Franchise Quarterback at a bargain price, the Seahawks have done everything in their power to ensure success.
14 David Caldwell Jacksonville
Count me amongst the David Caldwell & Gus Bradley fans. I fully support their vision, and respect the way they're managing the rebuild process down to the details. Simply put, Caldwell is looking in every direction to improve the talent level on the roster. He Cut holdovers from the previous regime immediately, and will have cap flexibility next year. He's carefully managing a process that will rebuild the Jaguars- an inevitable task.
15 John Elway Denver
Established Coach & Executive Agent Bob Lamonte took control of the Broncos- representing the entire Coaching Staff & Front Office. Under McDaniel's the team was heading in the wrong direction, and aging owner Pat Bowlen- who views John as a Son-didn't have his finger on the pulse. Elway arrived, shook up the Coaching Staff & Front Office, jettisoned fan favorite Tim Tebow & now has the team competing for Championships. It's a true success story & Elway deserves credit.
16 Howie Roseman Philadelphia
Roseman & Andy Reid worked together for years, with the Walrus have the final say on personnel matters. Roseman is an experienced FO guy, but his hiring of chief 49ers Talent Evaluator Tom Gamble speaks to his perceived vulnerabilities in this area. Roseman is still highly rated because he's a consensus builder that oversaw the reshaping of the organization in a seamless manner.
17 John Dorsey Kansas City
Andy Reid had final say on personnel in Philadelphia, but will lean on Dorsey to head up the Scouting Department in KC. The Chiefs are in better hands today than they've been in a decade. Arriving from Green Bay, Dorsey will undoubtedly be an asset in the draft process.
18 Jerry Jones Dallas
Underrated, committed & knows more football than his critics give him credit. Son Stephen Jones is completely incompetent, expected to manage the Salary Cap- which he's done dismally for years. Maybe it's Jerry's ambition, but the Cap is a concern on a daily basis in Valley Ranch. In terms of drafting, the Cowboys are about league average. But it's Jerry's willingness to make bold albeit necessary moves- the most recent being the shift to a 4-3 Under & hiring Monte Kiffin that draws my praise.
19 Mickey Loomis New Orleans
Saints have regressed for a variety of reasons, but it's largely attributed to poor drafting. Loomis has lost his touch to an extend, and has thus overextended himself in signing veteran free agents to fill major voids. The Saints window of contention is closing rapidly, and it's not just the one year hiatus of Sean Payton. There's a talent gap on the roster beyond Drew Brees, and hiring Rob Ryan was the worst decision of the entire offseason, by any organization.
20 Tom Telesco San Diego
Telesco avoided brash moves, and is carefully rebuilding the Raiders. He understands that realistically the team won't challenge the Broncos in 2013, and thus seeks to rebuild the roster for the opening after Peyton rides off. The rebuilding process as long overdue, and it will not be a miraculous turnaround. It will require successful drafting, which commenced year 1 of the new regime.
21 Mike Brown Cincinnati
Contemplated putting him hire, the unconventional Brown employees a notoriously small scouting department & has been cheap in the past. Regardless, look at the young talent on the roster. From late round picks to 1st Rounders; one of the most talented teams in the league has been constructed. Question is does Brown dig into his pockets to keep this group together?
22 Dave Gettleman Carolina
Arrives from New York with a vision. Recalibrating misallocation of salary cap resources, and adequately assessed the needs & immediately addressed the holes with back-to-back Defensive Tackle selections. In year one of the evaluation of current talent, Gettleman has the Panthers trending upwards.
23 Mark Dominik Tampa Bay
Presumably at the direction of Ownership, Dominik adds marquee names in free agency & brought in a new coach last year. The issue is Schiano might not be the right man for the job, but if success comes- Dominik will move into the top 15 next year.
24 Doug Whaley Buffalo
Steelers background, newly minted GM will be evaluated in the year ahead. A smart young mind that benefits from a wealth of experience building small market clubs.
25 Michael Lombardi Cleveland
Giving Lombardi the benefit of the doubt, but I think his time has passed.
26 Jeff Ireland Miami
Ireland had a fortune to spend in Free Agency, and spent it in a frivolous manner. His failure to ensure the offensive line improved will prove an egregious oversight, and it breaks from the Parcells mindset. I question Ireland's longterm vision.
27 John Idzik New York Jets
Tremendous 1st Draft, selected the Best Players Available & jettisoned the loan asset on the roster to add additional selections. Appeased ownership by bringing in a big name, but didn't revert to previous GM Mike Tannenbaum's ways of surrendering draft picks & cap space to do so. Experience building winners in all of his stops (Tampa Bay, Arizona & Seattle), Idzik's a GM that's not deeply ideological. He's a complete pragmatist that will deal with the overbearing influence of Owner Woody Johnson.
28 Martin Mayhew Detroit
Mayhew got enthralled with the BPA Process, and left major voids on the roster for the past 5 years. All GMs say each pick was BPA, but it's a talking point. GMs marry need with value in context to the salary cap. Mayhew refused to follow this framework, and was forced to spend bigtime in Free Agency to fill voids. Even with the remaining cap space for the next few years spent, the offensive line (Foundation of a Team) is a glaring weakness.
29 Reggie McKenzie Oakland
Deck was stacked against Reggie, whose a former Packer that simply hasn't drafted well. The latest example is D.J. Hayden. While it's early, that could be a major mistake.
30 Steve Keim Arizona
New to the post & underqualified. Keim was chosen over former Patriot & Eagle Jason Licht, who remains apart of the organization. The Cardinals must develop a Franchise Quarterback, and I assumed Bruce Arians was brought on-board to catalyze that process. Instead they took a Guard, overpaid for Free Agents & view Carson Palmer as the answer.
31 Ruston Webster Tennessee
The guy that beat the table for Jake Locker. Employees an Offensive Line Coach ahead the organization, yet still must over allocate cap space to the group. Munchak might not even be a capable positional coach. Went into Free Agency with reckless abandonment, overpaying a backup running back & adding an entire taxi squad of rotational Defensive Linemen. The glaring need was at safety, where Webster acted prematurely signing George Wilson- when a better option later became available. It all goes back to Locker.
32 Phil Emery Chicago
Emery hired a Coach from Canada who hadn't been in the league since his heyday with the 49ers in the late 1990s. He thoroughly enjoys reaching on Draft Picks. Emery might be harshly graded because it appears he's breaking down the roster for a rebuild. He's overly reliant and enthusiastic about analytics; without recognizing fundamental realities.
No comments:
Post a Comment