Who's Next?

Monday Morning Quarterback's Albert Breer released his annual future general manager list. He's done this list the past eight years for previous employers the Boston Globe and NFL Network. Now he's doing the list for Peter King's site. In this year's article and list, Breer focuses on how the job of an NFL GM isn't just about watching a bunch of film. The GM wears a lot of hats and has to interact smoothly with a lot of departments, not just the scouting department. Those that are only skilled at breaking down film and evaluating talent may not be an NFL GM for long. Breer's current list of candidates reflects the varied demands of the job.

Albert Breer's Top 10 GM Candidates (in alphabetical order)

Patriots VP of player personnel Nick Caserio: The belief is he’d be elevated whenever Bill Belichick retires. But Caserio will have opportunity again this year, and I think he’ll at least listen.

Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta: He has long run the draft for Ozzie Newsome and has contractual incentives to stay. It’d take a lot to pull DeCosta away, and few believe he’d leave.

Eagles VP of player personnel Joe Douglas: Hidden in Baltimore for years, Douglas’ work is no secret anymore. And I’d bet Philly will do something to make it worth his while to stay.

Bills VP of player personnel Brian Gaine: He’s interviewed for a handful of jobs over the past couple of years, and now has his fingerprints on another rising team. And Gaine has always earned the trust of coaches.

Packers director of player personnel Brian Gutekunst: The Niners were impressed with Gutekunst last year, before he pulled his name out, and word has gotten out that he’s ready for the next step.

Seahawks co-director of player personnel Trent Kirchner: A pro-side guy, he’s worked day-to-day in a successful office, and GM John Schneider put him on the road this fall to round out his résumé.

Cowboys assistant director of player personnel Will McClay: He’s another one who is perceived to be staying no matter what—he’s trusted and treated well by the Joneses—but is well worth making a run.

Cardinals VP of player personnel Terry McDonough: He’s got very strong and loyal advocates, helped turn around Arizona, and was a finalist for the Niner job, along with George Paton, last January.

Vikings assistant GM George Paton: Probably the premier name on this year’s list. He’s been interviewed for jobs the past few years, and a well-rounded Viking roster is crushing it on the field.

Packers director of football operations Eliot Wolf: The pedigree is there, and there have even been murmurs he could be packaged with Dave Gettleman as a GM-in-waiting in New York.

***

Vikings Assistant General Manager George Paton is ready to run a team of his own. He's interviewed with several teams and turned down some requests for interviews. Paton's apparently quite content doing what he's doing in Minnesota. Eventually, the draw of calling the shots will pull him away. In a perfect world, he'd wait long enough that he could succeed current GM Rick Spielman. I've often wondered if that day is closer than many expect and that's why Paton has remained while other teams are pursuing him.

***

Breer also came up with a list of up-and-comers that might be a tier below the above leading contenders.

ON DECK

Mike Borgonzi, Kansas City; Trey Brown, Philadelphia; Joey Clinkscales, Oakland; Ryan Cowden, Tennessee; Ed Dodds, Indianapolis; Scott Fitterer, Seattle; Brian Gaine, Buffalo; Brian Heimerdinger, Jets; Alonzo Highsmith, Green Bay; Joe Hortiz, Baltimore; Brandon Hunt, Pittsburgh; Dwayne Joseph, Philadelphia; Monti Ossenfort, New England; Matt Russell, Denver; Jamaal Stephenson, Minnesota; Duke Tobin, Cincinnati; Andy Weidl, Philadelphia.

***

I must protest. Jamaal Stephenson is just getting comfortable being in charge of the Vikings' college scouting. 

Breer wasn't done. 

TWO SECOND-CHANCERS

Saints assistant GM Jeff Ireland: New Orleans’ young talent is his resume, as he’s run the draft there, and you won’t find many classes better than the Saints’ current one.

Falcons assistant GM Scott Pioli: Has been a big part of building one of the NFL’s best rosters, and has spent a lot of this fall on the road doing college scouting.

OTHERS WHO MERIT MENTION: Ryan Grigson, Cleveland; Chris Polian, Jacksonville.

ONE WILD CARD

National Invitation Camp president Jeff Foster. This is a good place to wrap up this week’s list. Why? Because someone brought up Foster’s name in my reporting, pointing out that he’s basically been running for years a business that’s centered on player evaluation—having to manage a staff, run logistics and deal with competing agendas. It seems to be the perfect way to prepare someone to be an NFL GM.