The good teams are sorting themselves out from the bad ones as we reach the NFL season’s midpoint. That means the winds of change will be blowing soon. 

In my capacity working with people in the game behind the scenes, plus our administration and presentation of the BART List Awards, I get to know and hear about a lot of talented people. Here are 20 that I think warrant serious consideration this offseason for GM and other senior executive jobs. 

Note: I’ve tried to recommend a few people who are not on the usual interview carousel. That means there are people here who still may be one or two seasons away from consideration, but who still have earned the respect of their peers. There are also a few that just missed the cut (I wanted to limit it to 20), but who will pop up on future lists. 

By the way, this list is presented in no particular order (not even alphabetical). I did this pretty spontaneously, but I like the way it came out, so here goes.

James Liipfert, Executive Director of Player Personnel, Texans: Houston went from a lost franchise to a Super Bowl contender practically overnight, and that’s easy to forget. Liipfert, who had a lot to do with that, has been highly regarded for a while, and is ready. It’s hard to find front office types who don’t like him.

Mike Martin, Director of Scouting Advancement, Lions: I’m going to continue to be loud about Mike, even if he rarely shows up on these lists. Vanderbilt-educated and a guy who put his time in running the roads as an area scout. I think a lot of Lions staffers will get interviews this cycle, depending on the number of openings.

Tariq Ahmad, Director of Player Personnel, 49ers: Tariq may still be a year away, but he’s probably the next Adam Peters as he’s racing up the ranks for one of the NFL’s 3-4 best franchises. I could see teams wanting him to get a little seasoning (he’s been a DPP less than a year), but I could also see someone rolling the dice. He’s been honored by his peers all three years that we’ve held the BART List awards (one of only a half-dozen people who can say that).

David Blackburn, Director of Player Personnel, Commanders: Like Tariq, David is in his first year as a DPP, so maybe he needs a little more time, but he’s on his way. Has Ravens roots, and Washington’s quick rebirth means he’ll get a shot soon. At least, he should.

Ian Cunningham, Assistant GM, Bears: Texas roots, Virginia-educated, ex-player, has worked for two of the league’s best franchises (Eagles and Ravens). He’s gotten several opportunities but turned some down. If the Bears can finish strong, maybe that gets him across the finish line.

Alonzo Highsmith, Senior Personnel Executive, Patriots: Here’s another guy who doesn’t get the credit he deserves because he doesn’t play the media game, but I’d argue there is no one who’s a better evaluator who’s gotten fewer GM interviews than Alonzo. The only reason he hasn’t won a BART List Award every year is because of his time with the Hurricanes. He’s always done things the right way. I’m never gonna stop promoting him. He deserves a shot.

Jon-Eric Sullivan, VP of Player Personnel, Packers: I don’t understand why Jon-Eric doesn’t turn up on more of these lists. One of these days, a team is going to get a great GM and, against all odds, everyone will say, “who’s this guy?” He’s a big reason the Packers always win.

Ed Dodds, Assistant GM, Colts: Ed is another one of the handful of front office types who’s won a BART List Award all three years we’ve had voting. Intense and thorough, he’s had lots of interviews, but it just hasn’t happened yet. I wonder if the Colts’ struggles this year hamper him this offseason.

Kyle Smith, Assistant GM, Falcons: Kyle has been under the radar, in my mind, but he’s a big presence in Terry Fontenot’s front office in Atlanta. The Falcons’ success this year may give him the boost he needs. Remember, his father, A.J., had a lot of success with the Chargers and Bills.

Terrance Gray, Director of Player Personnel, Bills: Terrance got deserved opportunities this last offseason, but it seems like he wasn’t a popular candidate before then, and I don’t know why. He’s another former BART List Award winner who’s a major reason for Buffalo’s success.

That’s 10 names. I’ve got 10 more, but you’ll need to read today’s Friday Wrap to see them. If you’re not already registered for our newsletter, which is free, you can do that here.