Image: Buffalo Bills
About This Quiz
The general manager is one of the most important positions within any organization, and that's just as true in the NFL as it is in any other type of business. In most cases, the general manager makes all of the major choices when it comes to the roster and coaching staff. They are responsible for scouting and drafting NFL prospects from the college ranks. They are always on the lookout for trade opportunities whenever a player from another franchise might become available. They also scan the free-agent market to ensure every position is filled with the best possible talent. All of this, of course, has to be done while staying within a hard salary cap, making every decision that much more important. Then, they have to build a coaching staff that can get the best out of the roster they put together.
NFL GMs have different methods when it comes to addressing their responsibilities. Some GMs like to build a team slowly, over years at times, to ensure they aren't making any mistakes along the way. Others prefer to take chances to maximize the talent currently on their roster, as they fear missing the playoffs will cost them their own job.
Which kind of GM would you be? Are you willing to wait for the perfect players to become available, or do you like to make a buzz by pulling off huge trades and free-agent signings? If you're not sure where you fall, take this quiz and find out!
NFL
It's draft day, and you have the first overall pick. You already have your franchise quarterback. Which decision are you making?
Draft the best player available.
Draft a player that fits your needs.
Still take the top quarterback.
Trade the pick.
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
The draft is moving into the later rounds, and you still need to fill the following positions. Select the position you're taking first.
Backup running back
Punter
Kicker
Backup quarterback
Wiki Commons by Keith Allison
How much are you willing to trade for a star wide receiver who becomes available?
A first-round pick
A second- and fourth-round pick
A role player and third-round pick
A starter and fourth-round pick
Advertisement
NFL
You have the 11th overall draft pick and several position needs. Which position are you focusing on first?
Center
Defensive end
Safety
Tight end
Wiki Commons by AJ Guel
What decision are you making if your franchise running back sits out until they get paid?
Sign another running back.
Wait them out.
Negotiate a deal.
Pay them immediately.
stevecoleimages/E+/Getty Images
Are you willing to give your head coach leeway if they are inheriting a terrible team?
Yes, success takes time.
Of course, if they're making progress.
They have to show signs of improvement.
Our team needs to win now.
Advertisement
filo/E+/Getty Images
Why would you draft a running back in the first round?
They are the best player available.
They fit the team's needs.
You like their leadership.
They were successful in college.
Fuse/Corbis/Getty Images
How long are you willing to wait to draft a franchise quarterback?
First overall pick
Second round
Later rounds
Whenever one's available
filo/E+/Getty Images
It's fourth and one on the 50-yard line with five minutes on the clock, and your team needs to score. What's the best way for your coach to handle this situation?
Run the ball.
Throw a pass.
Run or pass option
Punt
Advertisement
jpbcpa/E+/Getty Images
Where do you like to hang out during games?
The sideline
The press box
The coaches' box
With the owner
Yellow Dog Productions/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Your team got beat down in a playoff game. Who should take responsibility for the loss?
Head coach
Quarterback
You
Everyone
gchutka/E+/Getty Images
Identify the type of quarterback you want to build a team around.
Pocket passer
Game manager
Dual threat
Playmaker
Advertisement
David Madison/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Which positional need are you looking for first in free agency?
Running back
Wide receiver
Cornerback
Linebacker
skynesher/E+/Getty Images
Where should your focus be if you're building a championship team?
Quarterback
Defense
Offensive line
Skill positions
jpbcpa/E+/Getty Images
How many losing seasons do you wait before you fire your head coach?
One
Two
Three
Four
Advertisement
Amwell/Photodisc/Getty Images
Your veteran quarterback is on the decline, but he's still a legend in town. What the best way to handle his diminishing play?
Draft his replacement.
Trade him.
Build a team around his strengths.
Ask him to retire.
RichVintage/E+/Getty Images
Who do you prefer to be the leader of your team?
The quarterback
The best player
A veteran
A rising star
Andersen Ross/DigitalVision/Getty Images
If you were just hired as the GM, why would you stick with a head coach who was there before you?
They're a player's coach.
They've had some success.
They just need a better team.
You wouldn't.
Advertisement
Mike Powell/DigitalVision/Getty Images
A new head coach is hired to get a team that made the playoffs the year before over the hump and to the Super Bowl. Do you blame them if they don't make the playoffs in their first season?
Of course, they had a great roster.
Yes, but you share responsibility.
No, it was just a down year.
It was obviously a bad hire on your part.
RichVintage/E+/Getty Images
The fans are waiting for the quarterback you drafted in the first round to finally get a start. Should you throw him into the fire if he isn't ready yet?
You're paying them for a reason.
They should get some snaps.
You will if the season is lost already.
They should continue to develop in practice first.
South_agency/E+/Getty Images
Would you rather accept a player is a bust or blame it on player development?
It's all about practice.
Some players just aren't ready.
Mistakes are made occasionally.
It's always a combination of both.
Advertisement
Sam Edwards/OJO Images/Getty Images
You have four star defenders at different positions. Which position are you trading away first to improve your offensive line?
Linebacker
Cornerback
Defensive end
Safety
Klaus Vedfelt/DigitalVision/Getty Images
Where is the first place you're taking a free agent who you want to sign with your team?
The best restaurant in town
The team facilities
A local MLB game
The best night club around
Mike Watson Images/moodboard / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
How do you take a team that has been 8-8 for three straight seasons to the next level?
Hire a new coach.
Build a run game.
Strengthen the defense.
Get a better quarterback.
Advertisement
skynesher/E+/Getty Images
What skill position do you prefer to build your offense around?
Slot receiver
Wideout
Running back
Tight end
Dmytro Aksonov/E+/Getty Images
Should you make any major changes if your team reaches the Super Bowl but loses big time?
Nope, just run it back.
A few tweaks should work.
Some changes need to be made.
The entire roster should be reevaluated.
David Madison/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images
If a season isn't going well, when do you fire the head coach?
When you're out of the playoff race
If they lose the team
At the end of the season
After multiple losses in a row
Advertisement
Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Your team desperately needs a run game, so what's the best way to address it?
Get an elite running back.
Build the offensive line.
Find multiple running backs.
Scheme better.
skynesher/E+/Getty Images
There's a player out of college who will attract a lot of fanfare. Do you draft them or focus on a position of need?
You draft them if they will see playing time.
You draft them no matter what.
You draft them if they're available in a later round.
You fill your team needs first.
skynesher/E+/Getty Images
How do you measure team success?
It's based on constant improvement.
The expectations are set realistically.
It's always championship or bust.
A playoff run is important.
Advertisement
You Got: