Bob Quinn: Most underrated NFL general manager?

Entering his fourth draft as the general manager of the Detroit Lions, Bob Quinn appears to be the most underrated front office executive in the NFL.

Becoming the general manager of the Detroit Lions back in 2016, Bob Quinn has had an impressive run in the Motor City. Since taking over the reins, Quinn posted two back-to-back winning seasons in Detroit with a playoff berth in his first year.

After hiring New England Patriots’ longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as the Lions’ newest head coach last season, Detroit posted a disappointing 6-10 record in 2018. But after adding a legendary haul of free agents this offseason combined with the potential results of this week’s NFL draft could allow this team to rebound very quickly.

And that’s undoubtedly due to the work by Quinn and this front office. The former longtime member of the Patriots’ staff spent 16 years in New England before joining the Lions. And ever since, Quinn has been building the roster in Motown. He is clearly one of the bright, young general managers in the NFL.

Yet, Quinn was recently ranked the 21st best general manager in the league by Around The NFL Editor Gregg Rosenthal on NFL.com. Here’s Rosenthal’s explanation of the rather low ranking.

"“This will be Quinn’s fourth draft with the Lions, and he is just now putting his imprint on the organization … this is a roster that ranks roughly around average without much potential to be great. That’s where this Lions organization has lived for a while.”"

I’ll have to disagree with Rosenthal about the roster lacking the potential for greatness. Young players like running back Kerryon Johnson, wide receiver Kenny Golladay and defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand are each budding superstars in this league. And all drafted under Quinn’s watch.

Names like offensive tackle Taylor Decker, defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson, center Graham Glasgow, linebacker Jarrad Davis, safety Tracy Walker, guard Frank Ragnow, returner Jamal Agnew, defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Justin Coleman, tight end Jesse James, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., offensive tackle Rick Wagner, safety Tavon Wilson and many more have been added to the Lions’ roster by Quinn.

Some of the NFL general managers ranked higher than Quinn included the New York Giants’ Dave Gettleman, the Arizona Cardinals’ Steve Keim, and the Cincinnati Bengals’ Duke Tobin.

Certainly, the history of the Detroit Lions’ franchise is being taken into account here. But Bob Quinn’s three-year run in the Motor City has been a successful one. And entering his fourth season, Quinn has yet another chance to prove he’s much better than his recent ranking would indicate.