Not so fast Andrew Berry.
When the Cleveland Browns hired Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, Berry’s name was believed to be confirmed as the next general manager.
Berry used to work with the Browns and has a relationship with Stefanski.
In this twist, it appears that Cleveland is looking in another direction.
#Vikings assistant GM George Paton is, in fact, expected to interview for the vacant #Browns GM job, source said. This is significant, as he hasn’t always interviewed after receiving requests. He’s close with new coach Kevin Stefanski and works alongside GM Rick Spielman in MIN.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 13, 2020
George Paton’s NFL Resume
George Paton entered the league in 2000 as the Chicago Bears’ assistant director of pro personnel.
After one season, Paton moved to Miami to become the Dolphins’ director of pro personnel from 2001 to 2006.
Since 2007, Paton has been working as a member of the Minnesota Vikings front office.
Vikings general manager, Rick Spielman, has been with the team since 2006 and Paton has been one of his closest colleagues in the organization.
Spielman became the general manager of the Vikings in 2012, and Paton became the team’s assistant GM.
A Proven Talent Evaluator
One of the most vital jobs as a GM is evaluating and securing good players.
In terms of Paton’s association with draft picks the last five years, it should be noted that he has hit on many of those picks.
Take a look at the last five years as an example.
The Vikings drafted Dalvin Cook (second round), Danielle Hunter (third round), Stefon Diggs (fifth round), and Adam Thielen as an undrafted free agent.
Why do I like George Paton as a candidate here?
Look at the talent the Vikings have added in the draft, in all rounds….
The guys in blue are still in the NFL….https://t.co/TYKY3tRQAN
— Five Reasons Sports Network (@5ReasonsSports) December 30, 2018
Look at the talent the Vikings have added in the draft, in all rounds….
Paton has a proven track record for bringing in talent.
Close Relationship With Stefanski
As mentioned above, Paton and Stefanski had a close, working relationship in Minnesota.
Having a general manager you can trust is crucial for a first-year coach.
Paton may be a razor-sharp talent evaluator, but he appears to have the ability to win the media too.
Regarding Kevin Stefanski, @chris_spielman says “he won’t win the press conference” as a dynamic/GETS US guy, but is “all business, very smart, well-respected.”
Says personnel guy to watch is Vikings Asst GM George Patonhttps://t.co/T0Xl8K1Lrq
— Bruce Hooley (@BHOOLZ) January 13, 2020
Final Thoughts
Paton has all the intangibles that could make a great GM.
He obviously has Stefanski’s vote of confidence; otherwise, the Browns would not have requested an interview.
It was reported that the Browns would hire a general manager based on their head coaching hire.
Berry was said to be a “lock” when Stefanski was hired, but it appears it might be a coin flip.
Either way, it makes sense that the Browns are looking into a candidate that is close with their new head coach.
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Could be a great fit for us, but I’m still unsure if I’d prefer him over Berry. I just hope whoever they decide to hire in the GM role, does a good job, because we need someone who can get us much needed wins right now.