5 potential candidates to replace Bill Belichick as the Patriots GM
By Rhys Knott
Potential GM candidate #4: George Kokinis
Alexander is a former Ravens executive, and Kokinis is a current Ravens executive. Like Alexander, he’s a director of player personnel. And what a group of players the Ravens have now (Zay Flowers, Kyle Hamilton, and Keaton Mitchell anyone?).
Kokinis is a Connecticut native who has already had a shot at being a GM. He was at the Browns in 2009 when a new head coach, Eric Mangini, arrived from the Jets. That went as well as you would imagine; the Browns fired Kokinis after a 1-7 start.
But that Browns 2009 draft class was something to behold. Hall of Famer Alex Mack was the first-round pick, and Mohamed Massaquoi was the 50th pick in that Draft. And fourth-round pick Kaluka Maiava played 63 games in the NFL.
But the jewel in the crown was Don Carey; he was the 177th pick in 2009 and went on to play in the NFL for nine years! If the Patriots are looking for an old head experienced in navigating rocky patches, Kokinis would be a wise choice.
Potential GM candidate #5: Adam Al-Khayyal
From a former Browns executive to a current one. Al-Khayyal has worked for the Browns since 2015, beginning as an intern and quickly working his way up to become Director of Pro Scouting at the tender age of 34!
Princeton graduate (and former wide receiver) Al-Khayyal was flagged as a potential Jaguars GM candidate back in 2020. He’ll be interviewed by all the teams looking for a fresh perspective in their front office. And the Patriots could use his scouting experience since they’re projected to be picking in the top 5 of the first six rounds come April.