16. Marty Hurney – Carolina Panthers
Marty Hurney might the most Dr.Jekyll/Mr.Hyde general manager of all-time entering his second stint in Carolina. Sometimes he can look like a genius with offseason moves and draft selections. Other times, you can’t help but wonder why he thought that was ever a smart idea. This offseason, Hurney is looking more like Jekyll after several big-time moves for the Panthers’ immediate future.
Hurney wasted little time ridding himself of injury-plagued Matt Khalil’s huge contract. Although losing Thomas Davis‘ locker room presence stings, his best playing days are long behind him. Hurney also stayed in-house come free agency by locking up starters Eric Reid and Daryl Williams to team-friendly extensions.
Wasting little time to address the pass rush, the Panthers used their first-round pick on Florida State’s Brian Burns. Burns’ speed and violent approach could lead him to become a future double-digit sack artist down the road. Greg Little was the best tackle prospect on the board when selected. Christian Miller should be the replacement for Davis at linebacker. Quarterback Will Grier won’t start anytime soon, but he’s insurance should Cam Newton struggle to remain healthy.
The Panthers were wise to bring Hurney back for a second go-around after struggling during the early 2010s. The team likely can compete for a playoff spot come 2019, but everything relies on Newton’s health. If that falls on Hurney’s shoulder, at least he found a competent quarterback prospect to fill in for the time being.
15. Jerry Jones – Dallas Cowboys
Love him or hate him, Jerry Jones won’t relinquish his power as the Cowboys GM anytime soon. In fact, the only time Jones won’t have majority control over his is when he’s pushing daisies back in Arkansas. While Jones’ past mistakes have led to horrible seasons, he’s had better success in recent years, and 2019 falls in that category.
Randall Cobb fixes the hole Cole Beasley left behind and took a very team friendly deal (one-year $5 million). The Cowboys had to wait until day 2 before making their first selection. Most fans are probably okay with that since their first-round pick came in the form of Amari Cooper. Both day 2 picks Trysten Hill and Connor McGovern address needs and could contribute early on in their rookie seasons.
Thankfully, Jones finally was willing to open his wallet and start paying some of his franchise stars. DeMarcus Lawrence got the contract he deserved and will be a crucial part of Dallas’ defensive pass rush until 2023. Now Jones has to find the money to pay the Cowboys offensive trio in Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, and Cooper.
When it comes to ownership, Jones reigns supreme as one of the greatest in NFL history. As a GM, he’s right dab in the middle, teetering on a solid executive to a mediocre, power-hungry one. Dallas’ offseason was quiet, but promising for the future heading into the season. That makes it a good one by Jones’ standards.
14. Brandon Beane – Buffalo Bills
There’s not a general manager who did more to find success for his team this year than Brandon Beane. After a successful offseason and draft, he has made the highest jump of all GM’s heading into the upcoming season. Plus, it’s fun to throw a wild card different from everyone else in the pile so Beane is my pick.
Following the selection of franchise quarterback Josh Allen, Beane decided to take the Ryan Pace approach and build around him. Adding speed to the receiving corp, the Bills signed the 4.34 runner in John Brown and reliable slot man Cole Beasley. Fixing the offensive line, Beane added Mitch Morse, Quinton Spain, and Ty Nsheke.
Beane’s draft class is where he earned his grade for the offseason. Ed Oliver is a versatile three-technique and could be the next Aaron Donald. Cody Ford can play multiple positions on the offensive line while Devin Singletary should only become another weapon for Allen. Throw in linebacker Vosean Joseph production at Florida, and the Bills could have won the draft when all is said and done.
Beane’s legacy will be based on Allen’s success, but he has put the Bills on the NFL’s must-watch list. Buffalo might not be a contender yet, but they’re certainly out of the cellar thanks to their GM.
13. Rick Spielman – Minnesota Vikings
Listen, some are going to criticize Spielman’s position here, but he’s been a very competent GM since taking over in 2012. Let’s just get this out of the way; the Kirk Cousins era will likely cement Spielman’s tenure in Minnesota. If the former Washington signal-caller struggles in 2019, Spielman could be heading out the down come Black Monday.
Last season, the Viking looked to have a team built to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Instead, they struggled on offense, blew games and missed the postseason altogether. The defense still is in good shape with Anthony Barr electing to return after thinking of signing with the Jets. The loss of Sheldon Richardson isn’t ideal, but Jaleel Johnson could end up being the three-technique of the future.
After signing an average quarterback to an $84 million deal, Spielman made sure to help him succeed by drafting protection. Garrett Bradbury will make an immediate on a horrendous offensive line and allow Pat Elflien to move back to guard. Irv Smith Jr. should be a productive pass-catcher and the long-term replacement for Kyle Rudolph once his contract expires next season. Dru Samia could compete for a starting role while Cameron Smith could compete with Ben Gedeon for the starting WILL spot.
There’s plenty of pressure on Spielman and the Vikings heading into this season after an underwhelming 2018. Playoffs should be a priority for Minnesota, and a Super Bowl appearance isn’t that far out of reach. This a must-win year for Spielman’s squad and if they struggle, he might not be around much longer.