This week, I joined my podcast partner, Rodrik David, to discuss what’s ahead this offseason on the NFL side. Rodrik’s assignment for me was to give him at least one person who’s a legitimate GM candidate from each of the Best Draft Award winners, going back to our first one for the 2017 draft.

The complete recording is here, but in case you’re in a bit of a hurry, here’s a recap of the Best Draft Award winners, the names I came up with, and why.

Jeff Ireland, Assistant GM, Saints (2017) — The results don’t show it lately, but Jeff is still respected. Architect of one of the best drafts in the last decade, he’s slowly restocking the Saints. The 2025 draft class is a step in the right direction.

Ed Dodds, Assistant GM, Colts (2018) — Has been a member of the BART List every year since we started polling in 2022. With the Colts surprising this season, he could have the momentum to land a GM position this offseason. Director of College Scouting Matt Terpening has also been honored four times on the BART List, and there are a number of other Colts staffers who’ve been recognized. Talented staff.

Tariq Ahmad, VP of Player Personnel, 49ers (2019) — A three-time BART List Award winner, Ahmad is universally admired. I get unsolicited praise of Tariq from rival executives all the time. But the 49ers are another team with a front office full of talented people. Assistant GM R.J. Gillen and Director of College Scouting Dom DeCicco are others at the director level in San Francisco who are on the rise. Both have gotten previous BART List recognition.

Mike Biehl, VP of Player Personnel, Buccaneers (2020) — When the Bucs won the Best Draft Award, GM Jason Licht chose John Spytek and Biehl to join him on the “virtual dais” in accepting the trophy. Spytek got his GM title last offseason. It’s Biehl’s turn. The Bucs are quietly one of the best-drafting teams in the league.

Cody Rager, VP of Player Personnel, Broncos (2021) — When Broncos head coach Sean Payton couldn’t lure Ireland to Denver, he settled for Rager, who has quickly climbed the ladder for the Broncos. No BART List Awards yet, but he’s a consistent vote-getter.

Matt Berry, VP of Player Acquisition, Seahawks (2022) — Berry won his first BART List Award last offseason, but he may be starting a string. He’s a lot like Ahmad in that other teams recognize his talent. Also, don’t forget about VP of Player Personnel Trent Kirchner and Director of College Scouting Aaron Hineline, who have also been honored in the past.

Ray Agnew, Assistant GM, Lions (2023) — Why doesn’t he get more consideration, given the job the Lions have done in the draft and on the field? I don’t get it. The Lions impress me because they are one of the few teams consistently drafting for production and not promise, and the results have been there.

John McKay, Assistant GM, Rams (2024) — The Rams have won plaudits for their drafting, but McKay’s roots are on the pro side. That’s OK, however, because more and more teams are seeking pro experience in their GM candidates. The Jaguars stole much of Los Angeles’ front office talent last offseason, but McKay is still around for anyone seeking to steal some of the Rams’ thunder. Also worthy of consideration: Senior Personnel Executive Taylor Morton, who has no ego, and Senior Advisor to the GM Ray Farmer, who deserves another shot.

As always, we’ll discuss these topics and plenty more in today’s Friday Wrap, which is free. Register for it here.