Ranking the 32 NFL General Managers after the 2022 NFL Draft

7 of 8

NFL 2022: VP and general manager, Eric DeCosta of the Baltimore Ravens speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Ranking the 32 General Managers — 8-5

8. Eric DeCosta, Baltimore Ravens

EDC, as some in Baltimore call him, took over as the GM in 2019. The Ravens are seemingly always a good team, and DeCosta is a big reason for that.

He managed to get a first-round pick for Hollywood Brown, and had an absolute stellar draft, taking guys like Kyle Hamilton, Tyler Linderbaum, and Daniel Faalele.

He’s also made smart but not splashy free agency decisions in Morgan Moses and Michael Pierce.

The Ravens are set to field a much improved offensive line, which was, along with their entire team, ravaged by injuries in 2022.

EDC is setting himself up for long-term success with Lamar Jackson. The next step for him is to get Jackson a contract extension.

7. Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jason Licht isn’t high on this list just because he managed to sign Tom Brady a couple of years ago, it’s because of the reason why Brady signed with Tampa.

The 2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster was loaded, so much so that they won the Super Bowl in 2020 in the first year with Brady under center.

Licht’s draft picks and free agency signings over the past ~5 years have been stellar, and he managed to yet again keep the gang together as Brady unretired.

6. Kevin Colbert, Pittsburgh Steelers

Colbert is retiring, but the Steelers have not filled their vacant GM position yet.

He went out with a bang, drafting Kenny Pickett at 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

What separates good from great General Managers is their ability to field a good team, year after year.

Colbert did just that during his tenure, constantly infusing talent into the Steelers.

It’s unlikely the Steelers will be able to replace Colbert with someone of his caliber, but they’re sure hoping to.

5. Mickey Loomis, New Orleans Saints

How Loomis managed to navigate around the Saints’ impossible salary cap situation the last couple of years is amazing.

He managed to do it, and the Saints managed to be in the playoff hunt until the final week.

They had a great free agency period, even with losing Terron Armstead, they were able to sign Marcus Maye and Tyrann Mathieu. Their defensive front is solid, and the re-signing of Jameis Winston while not drafting a quarterback makes me think they are buying into him.

Winston playing well this year would be an absolute steal for the Saints, who signed him for pennies a few years ago. Loomis and the Saints always seem to be a good team.

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