12. Jon Robinson – Tennessee Titans
Jon Robinson is far from a perfect GM, but his recent draft classes have set Tennessee up for success. Most of the moves the Titans made this offseason are for the future, but some players will contribute early on.
Roger Saffold should be an immediate upgrade to a great offensive line that was plagued with health concerns last season. Slot receiver Adam Humphries is an upgrade in the Titans’ receiver room and another weapon for Marcus Mariota. Some might not like the signing of Cameron Wake, but his veteran presence will be useful for a young defensive unit.
In the draft, Robinson struck gold once again. Although Jeffery Simmons might be redshirted this season, his pass rushing presence made him a top 10 prospect. He’s a perfect fit for the team’s 3-4 defense and has the potential to be a double-digit sack artist for years to come. AJ Brown was a star at Ole Miss and can find success both on the outside and in the slot. Nate Davis is a quality offensive guard who has the potential to be the final piece to the offensive line.
Robinson has the Titans looking like a team on the rise. The biggest red flag will be on Mariota’s health for the long-term future. Should he find himself on the injured list again, Robinson traded for Ryan Tannehill to be the short-term option. Tennessee isn’t an elite unit, but they certainly look to be a competent team vying for a playoff spot this season.
11. Ryan Pace – Chicago Bears
Ryan Pace started to see his stock trend upward after a productive 2018 campaign. He’s still living in the limelight as well thanks to their 12-4 NFC North division winning season last year. He’ll have to keep it up, but so far, he’s looking like one of the league’s future top executives.
Pace made a move that few general managers would ever make in their careers last season. Then again, Khalil Mack isn’t just your average pass rusher and was worth multiple first-round picks. In fact, in his first season out in the Windy City, Mack collected more sacks than the Raiders combined. Add in Roquan Smith and the Bears defense should be a top 10 unit for the foreseeable future.
The additions last offseason of Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Trey Burton and Anthony Miller on offense meant Mitchell Trubisky had no choice but to improve. The former No.2 pick threw for 3,223 yards and 24 touchdowns last season along with a Pro Bowl nod thanks to the new toys Papa Pace bought him.
Ha-Ha Clinton Dix took a team friendly deal and should be able to help at least keep the Bears’ secondary above water as Adrian Amos current replacement. Even after trading Jordan Howard this offseason, Pace added a perfect runner for Matt Nagy’s offense in Iowa State’s David Montgomery.
The Bears are back to being a quality team and should only grow as their youthful weapons adjust to the NFL. Give praise to Chicago for sticking around with Pace for an extra season. Give even more of it to Pace though for making the most of his potential final strike.
10. John Schneider – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks had an eventful offseason—some good and some bad. Schneider starts the top 10 list mainly because of his past moves. Only a few GM’s have been able to build a Super Bowl caliber roster with a load of day 3 picks and undrafted free agents. Heading in 2019, Schneider’s magic could be running out soon.
The drama of the Seahawks offseason began when they franchise tagged pass-rusher Frank Clark. After Schneider paid Russell Wilson a brand new $140 million contract, Clark knew his time in Seattle was up. He was shipped to Kansas City for a first-rounder and will be replaced by Ezekiel Ansah or LJ Collier.
If that wasn’t enough, Seattle found out they would be losing their go-to target in Doug Baldwin. The former Stanford product had suffered multiple injuries and would be forced to retire after a failed physical. Luckily, Schneider found two potential replacements with the selections of Ole Miss’ D.K. Metcalf and West Virginia’s Gary Jennings.
It’s hard to argue the selection of Metcalf, who could be a steal. Jennings is a dark horse to be one of the league’s more productive rookies in a pass-heavy offense. Seattle, though doesn’t feel like a contender, even with Wilson under center. They reached on several players and lost some significant components on both sides of the ball. Schneider is the one GM trending downward after a somewhat bland offseason.
9. Tom Telesco – Los Angeles Chargers
It only took Tom Telesco five years to figure it out. But heading into the 2019 season, he’s built the Bolts into possibly the most complete team in the league. After finding a piece or two each free agency or draft, the Chargers general manager now has quality players nearly everywhere on both sides of the ball.
The team is coming off a 12 win season for the first time since 2004 thanks to excellent quarterback play from Philip Rivers. The reality is, however, that the 37-year-old gunslinger only has a few years left with his championship window open. The offense also took a minor hit as Tyrell Williams took the money and ran to AFC West rival Oakland.
Telesco was unable to be a huge player in free agency but made the most with team friendly deals to safety Adrian Phillips and linebacker Thomas Davis. Both fill a need for the present and could turn out favorable come next offseason. While Telesco usually finds at least one franchise player each draft, this April, he potentially found four.
First-round pick Jerry Tillery is an ideal replacement for Corey Liuget and should fit perfectly between Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Second-round safety Nasir Adderley will pair with Derwin James to create potentially the strongest up-and-coming duo on the back end. Third-round pick Trey Pipkins adds depth to an injured plagued offensive line. Easton Stick could be the eventual heir for Rivers thanks to his background playing in a pro-style offense at North Dakota State.
The Chargers had few holes heading into the offseason after getting knocked out by New England. Telesco addressed pretty much every short and long-term need, making Los Angeles one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL.