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NFL general managers live and die by the NFL Draft. It’s the most fundamental way to build a team from the ground up and it can set your future for years to come (or, conversely, set back a franchise).
However, a GM’s job hardly ends after the draft in late April. Managing the roster is a never-ending mission that requires constant tinkering and scouring of rosters. Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn has been a prime example of that in his first season with the team. Earlier in the year we pointed out how much more active Quinn has been than his predecessor Martin Mayhew. That trend hasn’t stopped, as the Lions have shuffled their roster on a weekly basis. Just look at the past week; they waived Justin Forsett and Johnthan Banks—both of whom were snatched up—then re-signed Joique Bell and grabbed Asa Jackson from another team’s practice squad.
The fact that players released by the Lions are getting claimed by other teams just goes to show how well Quinn has built the depth in this team with limited resources. He’s also shown some savvy by the way he protected Jake Rudock from getting taken from underneath him and how he was able to bring back Josh Bynes without burning their one chance to return a player from injured reserve.
It hasn’t all been great for Quinn, however. The Johnthan Banks trade didn’t end up working out. Meanwhile, Kyle Van Noy is playing well with the Patriots, suggesting Quinn may have been able to get more than a seventh-round pick.
But all you really have to do is look at the production Quinn is getting from his rookie draft class to see how he’s doing as a general manager. Seven of his 10 draft picks have seen the field for significant, non-special teams play time.
Before we get into your vote, let’s take a look at his approval ratings over his first season.
August 2016: 70 percent approval
June 2016: 86 percent approval
April 2016: 74 percent approval
February 2016: 72 percent approval
Now it’s your turn. Vote below and explain your choice in the comment section below.