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10 potential general manager candidates for the Washington Football Team

By Jacob Camenker

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Vice President of Player Personnel Kyle Smith of the Washington Football Team speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Kyle Smith
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Vice President of Player Personnel Kyle Smith of the Washington Football Team speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Kyle Smith /
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Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Detailed view of an Indianapolis Colts helmet against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Detailed view of an Indianapolis Colts helmet against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Assistant General Manager. Indianapolis Colts. Ed Dodds. 6. player. 46.

Usually, the best up-and-coming candidates are plucked from well-organized teams that know how to build rosters. Ed Dodds and the Colts qualify.

Chris Ballard has turned the Colts into a strong franchise. They once were a team that depended entirely on Andrew Luck to keep them going. With Ryan Grigson now long in the rearview and Luck enjoying retirement, things have shifted rapidly.

As I noted last year when I ranked Dodds as my No. 4 candidate for Washington’s GM job, Dodds helped to build an identity on defense and focused on fixing Indy’s biggest problem, the offensive line, and turned it into a strength.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders /

Washington Commanders

"Notably, Dodds and Ballard focused on rehabbing a terrible offensive line that drastically improved after the additions of Quenton Nelson and Braden Smith, as well as the development of Mark Glowinski. Ballard and Dodds invested in those resources to protect Luck and it had a big impact on the team before Luck’s surprising retirement. In addition to building up the O-Line, the Colts have looked to add athletic football players on the defensive side of the ball. These high-IQ players have helped to solidify Matt Eberflus’ defense and make it solid despite the fact that they lack big-name players."

The fact that Dodds was able to help identify key traits to fit the Colts’ identity is a big part of the reason the team has found so much success in recent years. They have survived the post-Luck era and continue to make shrewd moves on both sides of the ball.

Dodds would have a chance to further build out Washington’s identity. The team has a strong defense but just needs a few more pieces to make it fearsome. And on offense, Dodds could focus on one area to give the team direction there. From that standpoint, he would work well in Washington.

Dodds is only downgraded to No. 6 because Washington hasn’t shown any interest in him yet. But if they do want a GM who can help them continue to move in the right direction, Dodds could be their guy.

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