NFL Draft 2012: 10 Coaches and GMs Who Need This Draft to Keep Their Jobs

The NFL draft has been looking more and more like the real estate market of late. Teams are jockeying for position, but no one is willing to take a chance on the big properties that could turn out to be the best investment for the future of a franchise.

Instead, teams are looking to trade out of their current position or situation, seeking other riches that may not be as expensive, but could be just as effective.

With those types of major decisions comes the ramifications they will have on not only the team, but the rest of the NFL. And if those decisions are met with disregard or they fail to turn a profit, then those who make those decisions will pay the price at the end of the season and possibly lose their jobs.

Coaches and general managers alike know that there is a lot riding on Thursday and the selection process. A good selection means a gold star. A poor selection means more, in terms of stability and continuity.

These coaches and executives have so much at stake on Thursday night and the draft weekend that the wrong move could send them out the door.

Jeff Ireland, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins were a once-proud franchise.

Remember Dan Marino, Don Shula, even Bob Griese?

Now, Jeff Ireland, the team's general manager, is trying to keep this team from sinking.

No Peyton Manning, no Alex Smith and no Matt Flynn. They are slated to possibly choose Ryan Tannehill from Texas A&M, but we aren't sure if he is the answer.

And while the team is at it, find some receivers and offensive linemen.

The defense was decent last season, but the offense needs to make some noise.

Gene Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars

Everyone knows my feelings on this one.

If Gene Smith does not pick a major player with the seventh selection, when there might be someone like Michael Floyd, Melvin Ingram and Morris Claiborne out there, then he should be fired on the spot.

The Jaguars' fanbase is getting smaller and needs some sort of confidence boost. Smith must deliver. Last season brought a franchise quarterback in Blaine Gabbert, but he was awful.

The defense was good, but still needs a pass-rusher. The receiving corps is better, but still needs a true top gun.

Which side of the ball will win out?

Pat Shurmur, Cleveland Browns

Mike Holmgren will be watching with intensity to see if this team gets better this season. With the fourth and 22nd selections, the Browns had better get the right offensive pieces.

Trent Richardson looks like the pick with the fourth selection. Does someone like Brandon Weeden, the quarterback out of Oklahoma State, make sense with the second first-round pick?

What about a right tackle like Cordy Glenn of Georgia or maybe a speed-rusher like Courtney Upshaw?

There are lots of choices, and making the wrong one could end Shurmur's stay on the lake.

Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys

I think this is his last season in Dallas if the Cowboys do not make the playoffs.

Jerry Jones is general manager, and I also do not see him firing himself.

Garrett has been given the keys to a decent offense and will hopefully have a defense that can improve and help the 'Boys reach the postseason.

A player like Luke Kuechly of Boston College or maybe Michael Brockers of LSU could help solidify the defense.

Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins

Another coach who has been given the keys to the estate.

Shanahan is being paid millions to work with an offense that will feature Robert Griffin III and new receivers this season.

Hopefully, they all mesh quickly, and this team rises to prominence again.

If not, Shanahan and his son, Kyle, will be out the door.

Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears

He took this team to the Super Bowl during the 2006 season, but his teams have been average since.

Now, quarterback Jay Cutler is back from injury, they acquired Brandon Marshall to aid in the passing game, and Matt Forte has a new stablemate in Michael Bush. There are more weapons in Chicago than the 1995-96 Bulls.

If Lovie cannot get this team to win, then there will be grumbling about his job. This draft could help hush the chatter.

Mike Tennenbaum and Rex Ryan, New York Jets

They traded for Tim Tebow because they needed a backup passer, and frankly, the Mark Sanchez experiment is not working.

It may have lit a fire under the fourth-year quarterback.

But there are holes on this team at linebacker, receiver, running back and on the defensive line.

Tim Tebow cannot fix all of those problems (well, maybe he can). But if Tannenbaum does not find youth (Courtney Upshaw) on defense and a runner (Chris Polk) on offense, this could be the final year for both men in the Big Apple.

A.J. Smith and Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers

We all thought last season was the end of the line for both of these men.

They were both brought back.

If the Chargers cannot make the playoffs this season, then I am sure one or both of them will be gone in San Diego. The Chargers need more help at linebacker, defensive tackle, offensive line and running back to team with Ryan Mathews.

Failure to help fill these gaps in the draft could lead to an early departure from the hot California sun.