4. John Dorsey – Cleveland Browns
What? Is Cleveland being talked about in the positive light? Believe it, people, because John Dorsey has taken over. When he arrived in Cleveland, the team had won just a single game in two seasons. Moving into 2019, it’s not hard to say the “Browns” and “Playoffs” in the same sentence.
Dorsey is still living high after a strong 2018 draft class which included franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb. However, it was his aggressive offseason moves that have sent the Browns all-aboard the hype train.
It began with Dorsey trading for Pro Bowl edge rusher Olivier Vernon to play opposite of Myles Garrett for the future. Then came the trade of the offseason, when Cleveland added one of the league’s top receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. To close it out, Dorsey was able to sign Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson to complete the front seven.
Even after trading away a first round pick, Dorsey still found talent on day 2 with the selection of a first-round talent in Greedy Williams at number 46. Linebacker Mack Wilson could also be tremendous in the future as the former Alabama linebacker possesses the traits to be a future full-time starter at middle linebacker.
Although the Browns now have to prove it on the field, Dorsey has set them up for success. Sure, Cleveland eventually had to come out of the cellar, but they probably got closer to a championship thanks to their GM. Also, keep in mind Dorsey also basically built the Chiefs 14-2 roster last season minus Sammy Watkins. Yeah, he’s good at his job.
3. Chris Ballard – Indianapolis Colts
Has any general manager found this much early success than Chris Ballard? After tanking in his first season with Indianapolis, Ballard pulled off a top-level trade with the New York Jets and still probably won the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with Quenton Nelson. Heading into the 2019 season, he was finally able to be a player in free agency with over $100 million in cap space.
The Colts didn’t go wild and instead signed players to help them win now. Both wide receiver Devin Funchess and edge defender Justin Houston took team-friendly contracts that should help the team succeed early this season.
Ballard kept that same approach heading into draft season went for quantity over just top quality. They still might have gotten both after trading their first-round pick to Washington for a pair of second-rounders. The selections of cornerback Rock Ya-Sin and slot receiver Parris Campbell are highly regarded prospects who should only help contribute at their positions early. Add in Ben Banogu and Bobby Okereke for depth and the Colts might have won day 2 of draft weekend.
With so much money still available in cap space, Ballard can win the offseason if he’s able to convince All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy to sign with the team. Ballard has proven to be a top level GM and should have Indianapolis thinking about not just an AFC South title, but also a trip to Miami in February.
2. Howie Roseman – Philadelphia Eagles
There are good general managers, and then there are elite ones. Howie Roseman has to be considered the latter after yet another promising offseason for the immediate future of the team. Not only are the Eagles primed to win now, but Roseman’s draft haul has them ready to contend for years.
Malik Jackson should start Week 1 next to Fletcher Cox on the defensive. Although Jordan Hicks bolted for a payday out in Arizona, Roseman picked up a linebacker in Zach Brown on a team friendly deal (one year, $3 million). Roseman also acquired running back Jordan Howard for chump change and brought back wide receiver DeSean Jackson for a farewell reunion tour.
Roseman just kept the success going in April down in Nashville. He jumped Houston for the left tackle of the future in Andre Dillard. Wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside is a day 1 playmaker thanks to his size and ability to win in single matchups while Miles Sanders is an excellent change of pace runner.
Losing Nick Foles might sting after all he’s done for the city of Brotherly Love. But Roseman has built a championship roster for Carson Wentz. The only question is, can Wentz stay healthy?
1. Bill Belichick – New England Patriots
Much like his quarterback, all general manager grades start in Foxborough. Not only has Bill Belichick built the Patriots into the dynasty of the new millennium, but there’s no sign of them slowing down after another successful offseason.
Sure, the Patriots saw Trey Flowers leave to reunite with Matt Patricia, Trent Brown sign a lucrative contract and Rob Gronkowski call it a career in the span of several weeks. Is that really going to hurt New England? Probably not. No coach or GM has done more in transforming players into stars quite like Belichick, and surely, he’ll do it again with this draft class.
New England drafted N’Keal Harry in the first round to become the large slot replacement for Gronk while also signing Demaryius Thomas as another weapon. They also added depth to their defensive line by trading for Michael Bennett. Damien Harris should be successful in the running back by committee approach while Yodny Cajuste was hands down the best tackle available when selected with the 101st pick. And just in typical Patriots fashion, Chase Winovich has the skills to be the steal of the draft.
Every year it seems like New England rebuilds and becomes a powerhouse once again. There’s a reason why Belichick is the at the top of these rankings every year. Check the track record and count the rings – it’s all because of him.