Which NFL general managers are under the most pressure as draft nears?
While pressure is on all 32 of them, which general managers are feeling the most heat with this draft?
Start in Cleveland.
The Browns have smartly amassed assets, including the first and 12th overall picks and five total selections in the top 65. But at some point, you have to turn those choices into good players.
Until that happens, there will be heavy skepticism within the league about whether Cleveland's analytics-driven front office — executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown, chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta and company — can actually build a team and not just accumulate ample resources to do so.
Let’s face it, plenty of people in the NFL are rooting for the Browns to fail. It’d be proof that old-school scouting is still the lifeblood of pro football, even though every smart team is incorporating many analytics concepts into their operations.
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Given how things played out with Johnny Manziel three years ago, owner Jimmy Haslam’s role in the decision-making process is going to draw scrutiny, too — particularly if the Browns take North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky at No. 1 overall.
Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett isn’t a perfect prospect. Some scouts have concerns about inconsistent production and maturity. But he’s an outrageously dynamic talent and passing on him would be a stunner.
Do the Browns trade out of the slot to avoid making the call? Or do they have the conviction to take whatever player they feel is best? People will be watching.
Oh, and the need to find a franchise QB is a pretty big pressure point in itself.
Among other decision makers who will be under the spotlight:
— New Orleans Saints executive vice president/GM Mickey Loomis has two first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 32) at a time when quarterback Drew Brees is the last year of his contract and coach Sean Payton seems to be on a year-to-year plan. This feels like a critical juncture for everyone.
— New Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott has been granted significant power in the organization and already made a ton of changes, so where does that leave GM Doug Whaley? The possibility of taking a QB at No. 10 certainly ups the ante.
— Houston Texans executive vice president/GM Rick Smith signed an extension last summer that runs through 2020. But how can there not be pressure when you still haven’t stabilized the quarterback position and just gave up a second-round pick to get rid of Brock Osweiler and his salary?
— The Washington Redskins haven’t replaced GM Scot McCloughan, who was fired last month. Team president Bruce Allen has always had more authority than many realized, but — at least for this draft — he figures to have more accountability, too.
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Follow Tom Pelissero on Twitter @TomPelissero
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