Duke Tobin, the Cincinnati Bengals' director of player personnel, faces scrutiny as he ranks 17th among NFL general managers. His challenges stem from the team's inconsistent performance, particularly regarding Joe Burrow's protection and the defense's struggles. The Bengals have rarely finished in the upper half of defensive statistics during Burrow's tenure, often placing the onus on Burrow to excel under pressure.

This ranking reflects not just Tobin's decisions, but also the overall management of the Bengals organization, including the synergy with head coach Zac Taylor. It raises questions about the effectiveness of their strategic alignment and whether they can bolster their roster to support Burrow's talent.