GM Rankings: Why Brad Holmes Is Among Best in NFL
Entering this April's NFL Draft, teams are evaluating the moves they must make to compete for a Super Bowl in 2023.
Not all teams will have realistic title aspirations, but each is looking to put itself in the best position to win.
It's tough to build a consistent winner in the league, though some have discovered a formula. Here is a ranking of the league's 32 general managers, with first-year leaders exempt from the rankings.
First year GMs — Ran Carthon of the Tennessee Titans, Monti Ossenfort of the Arizona Cardinals
Each of these hires were made this offseason, so it remains to be seen how their first crop of additions pan out on the field.
Both inherit intriguing situations, especially at quarterback. Ossenfort will have to find a signal-caller to fill Kyler Murray’s injury-created absence, while Carthon must decide on the future of veteran Ryan Tannehill.
30.) George Paton, Broncos
This season is a big one for Paton, as he must see better results from prized trade acquisition Russell Wilson. With the Seahawks making the playoffs a season ago even without the quarterback, this trade is starting to look like a major loss for the Broncos. The hire of Sean Payton -- and how it pans out -- will determine Paton’s future.
29.) Nick Caserio, Texans
The Texans have idled since Caserio was hired. They’ve never so much as flirted with contention, and time is running out for them to do so under Caserio's watch. He has a chance to make a splash with the second overall selection in April.
28.) Dave Ziegler, Raiders
By cutting ties with Derek Carr, the second-year GM will have an opportunity to start fresh. He signed Jimmy Garoppolo, a sign of the team’s hopes to remain competitive in the immediate future. The AFC West is loaded, so he must continue making moves to help the team stay afloat.
27.) Omar Khan, Steelers
Khan has made some nice additions in his first offseason as GM, including an interesting decision to sign veteran Patrick Peterson. The Steelers will be in the hunt with talented coach Mike Tomlin, so Khan can boost his team’s stock with a solid draft haul.
26.) Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Vikings
Minnesota rode a series of late-game wins to the playoffs, but fell in the first round. Adofo-Mensah now faces a crossroads, as Kirk Cousins remains the pilot of the organization under center. With Justin Jefferson set to be among the highest-paid players in the league, how the GM handles his financial situation will be telling.
25.) Scott Fitterer, Panthers
Fitterer swung big leading into this year’s draft, sending a haul to Chicago for the top selection. It’s anticipated that he’ll select a quarterback, adding a young star to the team’s rebuilding core. He also made a big move in trading Christian McCaffrey last season, so nailing the draft and improvements in 2023 will only help his stock.
24.) Terry Fontenot, Falcons
The Falcons moved on from long-time quarterback Matt Ryan, and don’t appear set at the important position heading into the draft. This is among the questions facing Fontenot, who has put together a solid offseason class of additions and aims to have the team competing for the NFC South crown, in what is expected to be a down year for the division.
23.) Ron Rivera, Commanders
Trading for Carson Wentz didn’t pan out in the organization’s favor, but the Commanders still managed to be in the hunt for the playoffs. With plenty of young players as part of its core, Washington has some excitement heading into the upcoming season.
22.) Chris Ballard, Colts
Indianapolis continues to search for a quarterback, failing to find stability since Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement. With a high pick, Ballard has a chance to end the shuffling by picking a young gunslinger. How this pick turns out in the immediate future likely will determine his fate.
21.) Joe Schoen, Giants
The decision to hire Brian Daboll worked wonders, as the Giants won a playoff game while the coach earned Coach of the Year honors. However, Schoen must now make a decision on star running back Saquon Barkley. It’s an important offseason for the second-year GM.
20.) Ryan Poles, Bears
Since taking over, Poles has amassed a bunch of draft capital. In trading out of this year’s top draft pick, he’s given his team many opportunities to add talent. Now, he must make good on this plethora of picks.
19.) Andrew Berry, Browns
The Browns couldn’t find a rhythm last year. A full season with Deshaun Watson at the helm should give a solid understanding of the current direction of the franchise.
18.) Chris Grier, Dolphins
Tampering cost the Dolphins an important first-rounder in the upcoming draft. Grier made a good deal in trading for Tyreek Hill, and now he must clear up who will be throwing Hill the ball in the coming years.
17.) Joe Douglas, Jets
Douglas has nailed most of his draft selections that haven’t involved a quarterback. He’s 0-for-2 in the QB department, having misfired on Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson. If he can get that position right, which he may do by potentially trading for Aaron Rodgers, he will look to have built a team set up for success.
16.) Jason Licht, Buccaneers
Two years removed from a Super Bowl victory, Licht is entering a rebuild of sorts. Tom Brady is retired for good, so Licht's first step is finding Brady's successor. His core is getting older, so the team must look for young talent in the upcoming draft.
15.) Trent Baalke, Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence took a massive step forward in his second season, giving the Jaguars excitement about their future. Baalke has added plenty of talented pieces, especially on offense, and has the team trending in a good direction.
14.) Mickey Loomis, Saints
The Saints signaled a desire to contend by signing Derek Carr in free agency. Loomis has made some questionable moves, such as trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but has done enough good in the draft to remain in the top-half of the rankings.
13.) Jerry Jones, Cowboys
The Cowboys have remained consistent throughout Jones’ lengthy tenure. He always does well in the draft, and looks to have made some savvy acquisitions this offseason, such as adding wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
12.) Tom Telesco, Chargers
Telesco made the right call in selecting Justin Herbert, as the young quarterback has excelled through three seasons. There’s plenty of talent on this roster, but the team must produce better on the field for Telesco to move up higher on this list.
11.) Eric DeCosta, Ravens
What will DeCosta do about Lamar Jackson? This remains the big question surrounding the Ravens. It’s an unenviable position, but DeCosta has made plenty of good moves throughout his tenure. He’s excelled in making late, under-the-radar moves in free agency, and the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. looks to be no exception.
10.) Brian Gutekunst, Packers
Much like the Ravens, the Packers are facing the reality of moving on from their longtime franchise quarterback. Gutekunst has made sure to shore up the skill positions, so Jordan Love will be entering a good situation when he takes over in 2023.
9.) Bill Belichick, Patriots
Belichick is consistent. He drafts players that fit his mold, staying the course with his team’s identity. The controversy surrounding Mac Jones and his future with the team are concerning. But, this isn’t the first time the longtime leader has had to deal with managing an issue.
8.) Les Snead, Rams
The Rams’ aggression paid off in 2021, as Matt Stafford delivered the team a Super Bowl. The organization is in a tough spot now, though. All the players whom the team surrendered picks for aren’t getting any younger, so the Rams must make good on what’s left of their veteran core.
7.) John Schneider, Seahawks
The Seahawks were among the league’s best stories last year. After trading away their superstar quarterback in Wilson, they managed to make the playoffs. Schneider was rewarded by Denver’s first-rounder landing in the top five, so he can continue to build his organization’s upward trajectory.
6.) Brandon Beane, Bills
The Bills have nailed recent drafts. They’ve got all the pieces in place to make a deep run, so Beane and company must make the most of their current championship window.
5.) Duke Tobin, Bengals
As long as Joe Burrow remains upright, the Bengals are in a good position. Tobin must continue to restock the offensive line, though, in order to ensure that he gets the best out of his team.
4.) John Lynch, 49ers
San Francisco has been a staple in the postseason since Lynch took over. He’s been active in both the draft and free agency, ensuring that his team is loaded each season. His team now has options all over the field, including an intriguing battle behind center between two young quarterbacks.
3.) Brett Veach, Chiefs
Veach nailed it by selecting Patrick Mahomes, and has overseen the making of a dynasty. He seems to have a pulse on making moves, such as the Hill trade that netted the team a draft haul.
If Veach stays in this groove, the Chiefs will be at the top of the league for years to come.
2.) Brad Holmes, Lions
There’s an unprecedented level of optimism in Detroit, and it’s all thanks to Holmes’ ability to stock the roster. After two years of patience in the draft, he made big moves in free agency this year. If Dan Campbell continues to grow as a coach, the Lions will become contenders quickly in the NFC.
1.) Howie Roseman, Eagles
The top spot on this list belongs to Roseman, who has build a monstrous roster in Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts looks to be a franchise quarterback, while there’s a plethora of talent all over the field. The Eagles came up short in the Super Bowl in 2022, but expect them to continue competing for titles as long as Roseman is at the helm.
