NFL General Manager Rankings: Belichick, Roseman and Ballard top list

28. Mike Mayock – Oakland Raiders 

Mike Mayock knew he’d have his hands full transitioning from TV analyst to general manager. That being said, he made some moves that have us shaking our heads. Some were good, some were bad, and some we’ll have to wait and see the down the line.

The Raiders were able to get All-Pro Antonio Brown for literally nothing from Pittsburgh (a third and fifth-round selection). Good move. Then they classically overpaid Trent Brown to become their tackle of the future. Bad move. They also added wide receiver Tyrell Williams for a bit more than most would pay (four-year $44 million). Iffy move. The LaMarcus Joyner contract falls in the same category as Williams: not bad but not great.

Mayock went for character in the draft, selecting players who were captains of their rosters. Clelin Ferrell is a solid pass rusher but was a reach at pick No.4. Josh Jacobs will eventually become a star in the Raiders’ backfield, making him worth the No.24 selection. Jonathan Abram should pair nicely with Joyner at strong safety and was honestly the best pick of their three first-rounders. Who knows, maybe Hunter Renfrow could also become a star for Derek Carr and a late round steal.

Mayock had a solid first offseason in the front office so credit to him there. The real question will be if he’s able to call the shots or is just a pawn to Jon Gruden’s control. Really makes you wonder how much of the offseason moves came from the former analyst.

27. Duke Tobin – Cincinnati Bengals

Duke Tobin might not be the general manager of the Bengals, but he pretty much is as the Director of Player Personnel. He didn’t do anything to help the Bengals grow this offseason on either side of the ball. The problem with that is every other AFC North team made moves to get better, sending the Bengals to the bottom.

Outside of hiring Zac Taylor as the head coach, Tobin only extended offensive tackle Bobby Hart for $21.5 million. Really? Hart for $21.5 million? The draft class was greeted with mixed reviews as well. Jonah Williams will help fix the offensive line while Germaine Pratt could be a future starting linebacker. The selection of Drew Sample in round two was just too high, and Ryan Finley probably isn’t Andy Dalton‘s replacement.

The Bengals didn’t make enough moves to be a contender in 2019, leading to Tobin being on the hot seat. Don’t be shocked if Bengals fans aren’t just shouting “Who Dey,” but instead “Who Dey drafting at quarterback.”

26. Eric DeCosta – Baltimore Ravens

This is not a knock on DeCosta, who graded out as the highest new GM of the season. The Ravens, however, had a roller coaster offseason, knocking his ranking down just a little. Still, if Ozzie Newsome believes in him, there’s a ton of potential for the former top-level executive’s successor.

The Ravens’ activity in free agency had mixed reviews. It seemed like when they signed one player, they lost another. While DeCosta was able to add All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, it was only due to the fact they released Eric Weddle. Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram will compliment Lamar Jackson. But his former teammate, CJ Mosley, is now in New York. Outside linebackers Zadrius Smith and Terrell Suggs, who combined for 15.5 sacks, also found new deals in free agency.

The draft, however, is where DeCosta truly shined for the Ravens’ immediate future. Marquise Brown should become Jackson’s deep threat while Miles Boykin can win with his route running skills outside. Jaylon Ferguson was the right selection in the third-round and could take over as the team’s new go-to pass rusher. Justice Hill is a reliable running back and could become a nice 1-2 with Ingram in the backfield. Baltimore lost plenty of talent, but DeCosta replaced the aging veterans with a youthful upgrade for the future.

25. Bruce Allen – Washington Redskins

Bruce Allen is like Tobin, not a GM but basically is as the team’s president. Let’s give credit to Allen since he’s earned it: he killed the draft this year. With the selection of Dwayne Haskins, Washington has Alex Smith‘s long-term replacement under center without having to trade up. The move back into the first-round for Montez Sweat was a great decision as he will pair nicely with Ryan Kerrigan. Add in the mid-round selections of Terry McLaurin, Bryce Love and Kelvin Harmon, Washington walked out a winner draft weekend.

Somehow though, Allen couldn’t help but find a way to make some mistake this offseason. Landon Collins is a top 10 strong safety in the league and was up for a payday. An $84 million contract is far too much for a safety, even on a six-year deal. Besides that, Allen was quiet this offseason.

Washington now has a starter for the present in Case Keenum and one for the future in Haskins. They also added plenty of weapons for whoever lines up under center in their past two drafts. Although they may not be a playoff team, Washington not a team to sleep on anymore.