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2017 NFL Executive of the Year: Who Holds the Edge?

By Erik Lambert

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: General manager Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles walks on the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Browns 29-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 11: General manager Howie Roseman of the Philadelphia Eagles walks on the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Browns 29-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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People talk about the MVP and Coach of the Year awards all the time, but the most underrated has to the NFL Executive of the Year honor.

Who are the men that draft or sign the players? Who the men that hire the coaches? That is the general managers or equivalent front office personnel. These are supposed to be the men with the plan. They see the big picture and bring the puzzle pieces together. It can often be a thankless job until the team starts winning. Until then these men often hover in the background, completely ignore or downright scorned by the fans.

Last season the honor went to Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie. His assembly of that roster headlined by Derek Carr and Khalil Mack paved the way to the first playoff appearance in 14 years for the silver and black. Could he end up being the first exec to win the honor twice since Hall of Famer Bill Polian back in 1995 and 1996 or is he likely to be dethroned?

With the halfway point of the season almost at hand, it’s a good time to look at the names garnering the most attention.

Front runner:  David Caldwell (Jacksonville Jaguars)

It’s really difficult to argue against him at this point. Caldwell has spent years building what might be the most talented roster in the league. Jacksonville is literally a quarterback away from a Super Bowl run. They have the best defense in the league, a powerful running game and some solid weaponry at wide receiver and tight end. His signing of A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell are looking like genius moves while the picks of Leonard Fournette and Cam Robinson have really stabilized the offense. It’s a team that is young, fast and growing more confident each week at 4-3.

Closest threat:  Howie Roseman (Philadelphia Eagles)

Roseman was marginalized for a time when Chip Kelly attempted to seize power. In the end that led to disaster for the Eagles. Rather than be methodical in his rebuild efforts though, the young GM went on one of the craziest trade sprees seen in years. He dealt away most of the key players brought in during Kelly’s tenure and then made what could be the trade of the decade, moving up in the 2016 draft to grab quarterback Carson Wentz. That move has Philadelphia 6-1 this season while other new additions like LeGarrette Blount and Rasul Douglas are making big contributions.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterback Plunge Creates Chaos

Sleeper:  Les Snead (Los Angeles Rams)

At one point in time it looked like Les Snead was going to get fired along with Jeff Fisher. Instead the resilient GM embraced the arrival of a new head coach in Sean McVay and set about remaking the roster. His signings of Andrew Whitworth and John Sullivan were vital to the offensive line turnaround they’ve enjoyed. Not to mention signing receiver Robert Woods and drafting Cooper Kupp upgraded their weaponry for Jared Goff. The team is humming on all cylinders. Sure McVay is garnering the credit, but at some point people must notice it’s with Snead’s players.

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