- Thread starter
- #1
iowajerms
Well-Known Member
- 20,650
- 2,780
- 293
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2011
- Location
- Iowa, US
- Hoopla Cash
- $ 29,091.39
- Fav. Team #1
- Fav. Team #2
- Fav. Team #3
Buffalo Bills' Doug Whaley among GMs facing make-or-break 2015 drafts - NFL
By Field Yates
With draft week almost upon us, it's a good reminder that the rosters of teams that have sustained success in the NFL of late are bonded by two threads: a reliable starting quarterback and a core of talent built through the draft. Be it Aaron Rodgers and his home-grown crew of pass catchers led by Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb (and, truthfully, most of the Packers' roster), Tom Brady and his top targets -- Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman -- or Russell Wilson and Seattle's Legion of Boom secondary, teams that have climbed and remained at the top are often developed through the annual selection process of the top college players in the country.
Understanding the importance of the selection process, below is a look at five personnel decision makers who need a strong draft this year or could find themselves in hot water following the 2015 season.
Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley
Whaley and new head coach Rex Ryan have spoken in concert throughout the offseason, which has included extensive roster turnover through multiple trades that netted running back LeSean McCoy and quarterback Matt Cassel. The trick for Whaley and the organization in this draft is that the team is without a pick in the first round, as that selection was shipped to the Browns as part of the draft-night trade last year to move up and select wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
This past season was technically the first year that Whaley had control of the Bills' draft, but he was heavily involved in 2013 when the team took quarterback EJ Manuel with its first-round pick (Whaley was named the GM just a few weeks after that draft) -- a decision that has clearly not panned out. While Cassel, Manuel and free agent signee Tyrod Taylor give new offensive coordinator Greg Roman options at quarterback, the team doesn't have a top-level starter and could still pick a signal-caller in the draft. The Bills aren't shying away from expectations this offseason (see: making the playoffs), but Whaley has to ensure this roster fills its remaining holes; the offensive line could be an area of focus besides quarterback.
Tennessee Titans GM Ruston Webster
There's a talent dearth in Tennessee right now, something that can be traced to the past three drafts that were orchestrated by Webster. While the story on these draft picks remains incomplete, Webster's 21 selections have yielded a below-average return so far, part of the reason why Tennessee owns the second pick in the forthcoming draft.
Whatever Tennessee opts to do with that pick -- trade it or use it on one of the coveted players in this year's class, and possibly Oregon QB Marcus Mariota -- it has to bring back some immediate utility. While the team seems open to sticking with second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger as its starter, adding a quarterback at Pick 2 (or using it in a trade for a quarterback, as has been widely speculated upon), would be wise for a franchise that needs a player to build around. This is a franchise and fan base desperate for a turnaround, as it's been 11 years since the team last won a postseason game.
Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie
There was speculation leading into this offseason that McKenzie could be replaced, as the organization underwent yet another overhaul, hiring Jack Del Rio as the head coach to replace interim coach Tony Sparano. McKenzie ultimately retained his job, but now enters a critical fourth season in his GM post.
It's unrealistic to expect the Raiders to make a quantum leap in the standings, but this roster has to be far more competitive after a dreadful 2014 season. McKenzie put the Raiders' abundant cap space to use in free agency, landing center Rodney Hudson, linebacker Curtis Lofton, nose tackle Dan Williams and wide receiver Michael Crabtree, among others, although the team did not land some of the preeminent stars it was reportedly interested in (running back DeMarco Murray, for example).
But the way Oakland will climb out of the AFC West basement is with an infusion of young talent. McKenzie hit a home run at No. 5 last year in landing defensive cornerstone Khalil Mack. Doing the same at No. 4 this year -- combined with further development from 2014 second-rounder quarterback Derek Carr -- will help his case to earn a new contract in Oakland.
Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew
The Lions reached the postseason in 2014 and appear to be on an upward trajectory as an organization, but the task of returning to the playoffs won't be easy, especially after Detroit's best player -- defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh -- departed in free agency. While it's too soon to pass final judgment on the Lions' 2014 draft class -- first-round tight end Eric Ebron had a quieter year than most expected -- the entirety of the 2010 and 2011 draft classes, each selected by Mayhew, are no longer with the team. Cap management has been an issue for Detroit of late, and Mayhew needs to reestablish the pipeline of talent to meet the heightened level of expectations in 2015.
Indianapolis Colts GM Ryan Grigson
Grigson, like head coach Chuck Pagano, enters the final year of his current contract in 2015, one in which the Colts have tried to load up and advance a step further than their AFC Championship game appearance last season. Under Grigson's watch the team selected quarterback Andrew Luck and other foundational pieces, including tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, and promising interior offensive lineman Jack Mewhort.
But Grigson also green-lighted a trade for running back Trent Richardson in exchange for a first-round pick, and his 2013 first-rounder (defensive end/outside linebacker Bjoern Werner) has just six sacks in two seasons. Luck alone makes this team competitive -- they'll be the AFC South favorite again this season -- but it may take more than a playoff appearance to ensure Grigson's and Pagano's jobs going forward. A lights-out draft class would be a big boost.
By Field Yates
With draft week almost upon us, it's a good reminder that the rosters of teams that have sustained success in the NFL of late are bonded by two threads: a reliable starting quarterback and a core of talent built through the draft. Be it Aaron Rodgers and his home-grown crew of pass catchers led by Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb (and, truthfully, most of the Packers' roster), Tom Brady and his top targets -- Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman -- or Russell Wilson and Seattle's Legion of Boom secondary, teams that have climbed and remained at the top are often developed through the annual selection process of the top college players in the country.
Understanding the importance of the selection process, below is a look at five personnel decision makers who need a strong draft this year or could find themselves in hot water following the 2015 season.
Buffalo Bills GM Doug Whaley
Whaley and new head coach Rex Ryan have spoken in concert throughout the offseason, which has included extensive roster turnover through multiple trades that netted running back LeSean McCoy and quarterback Matt Cassel. The trick for Whaley and the organization in this draft is that the team is without a pick in the first round, as that selection was shipped to the Browns as part of the draft-night trade last year to move up and select wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
This past season was technically the first year that Whaley had control of the Bills' draft, but he was heavily involved in 2013 when the team took quarterback EJ Manuel with its first-round pick (Whaley was named the GM just a few weeks after that draft) -- a decision that has clearly not panned out. While Cassel, Manuel and free agent signee Tyrod Taylor give new offensive coordinator Greg Roman options at quarterback, the team doesn't have a top-level starter and could still pick a signal-caller in the draft. The Bills aren't shying away from expectations this offseason (see: making the playoffs), but Whaley has to ensure this roster fills its remaining holes; the offensive line could be an area of focus besides quarterback.
Tennessee Titans GM Ruston Webster
There's a talent dearth in Tennessee right now, something that can be traced to the past three drafts that were orchestrated by Webster. While the story on these draft picks remains incomplete, Webster's 21 selections have yielded a below-average return so far, part of the reason why Tennessee owns the second pick in the forthcoming draft.
Whatever Tennessee opts to do with that pick -- trade it or use it on one of the coveted players in this year's class, and possibly Oregon QB Marcus Mariota -- it has to bring back some immediate utility. While the team seems open to sticking with second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger as its starter, adding a quarterback at Pick 2 (or using it in a trade for a quarterback, as has been widely speculated upon), would be wise for a franchise that needs a player to build around. This is a franchise and fan base desperate for a turnaround, as it's been 11 years since the team last won a postseason game.
Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie
There was speculation leading into this offseason that McKenzie could be replaced, as the organization underwent yet another overhaul, hiring Jack Del Rio as the head coach to replace interim coach Tony Sparano. McKenzie ultimately retained his job, but now enters a critical fourth season in his GM post.
It's unrealistic to expect the Raiders to make a quantum leap in the standings, but this roster has to be far more competitive after a dreadful 2014 season. McKenzie put the Raiders' abundant cap space to use in free agency, landing center Rodney Hudson, linebacker Curtis Lofton, nose tackle Dan Williams and wide receiver Michael Crabtree, among others, although the team did not land some of the preeminent stars it was reportedly interested in (running back DeMarco Murray, for example).
But the way Oakland will climb out of the AFC West basement is with an infusion of young talent. McKenzie hit a home run at No. 5 last year in landing defensive cornerstone Khalil Mack. Doing the same at No. 4 this year -- combined with further development from 2014 second-rounder quarterback Derek Carr -- will help his case to earn a new contract in Oakland.
Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew
The Lions reached the postseason in 2014 and appear to be on an upward trajectory as an organization, but the task of returning to the playoffs won't be easy, especially after Detroit's best player -- defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh -- departed in free agency. While it's too soon to pass final judgment on the Lions' 2014 draft class -- first-round tight end Eric Ebron had a quieter year than most expected -- the entirety of the 2010 and 2011 draft classes, each selected by Mayhew, are no longer with the team. Cap management has been an issue for Detroit of late, and Mayhew needs to reestablish the pipeline of talent to meet the heightened level of expectations in 2015.
Indianapolis Colts GM Ryan Grigson
Grigson, like head coach Chuck Pagano, enters the final year of his current contract in 2015, one in which the Colts have tried to load up and advance a step further than their AFC Championship game appearance last season. Under Grigson's watch the team selected quarterback Andrew Luck and other foundational pieces, including tight ends Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener, wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, and promising interior offensive lineman Jack Mewhort.
But Grigson also green-lighted a trade for running back Trent Richardson in exchange for a first-round pick, and his 2013 first-rounder (defensive end/outside linebacker Bjoern Werner) has just six sacks in two seasons. Luck alone makes this team competitive -- they'll be the AFC South favorite again this season -- but it may take more than a playoff appearance to ensure Grigson's and Pagano's jobs going forward. A lights-out draft class would be a big boost.
