Which AFC general managers are on the hot seat after the draft?

The Buffalo Bills fired general manager Doug Whaley on Sunday, ending his tenure after the draft concluded.

Many general managers entered the weekend needing to heighten their team's trajectory or run the risk of being dismissed. Ahead of the upcoming season, numerous league personnel enter the fall looking over their shoulder.

We assess which general managers are on the hot seat, on a scale of ice cold to flaming hot.

Note: The Buffalo Bills were not included as they undergo their search for a new general manager.

Baltimore Ravens - Ozzie Newsome

Newsome's reputation remains formidable and solidified the defense by selecting Marlon Humphrey in the first round, while adding Tim Williams in the third. He will continue be the team's architect.

Cincinnati Bengals - Mike Brown*

Mike Brown deserves more criticism as the Bengals' de facto general manager. Brown is also the Bengals' owner and refuses to cede control to another executive, so he'll always be safe.

Cleveland Browns - Sashi Brown*

Brown is officially the Browns executive vice president but is responsible for personnel decisions. After securing three first-round picks during the 2017 NFL Draft, the jury's still out on Brown.

Denver Broncos - John Elway

Elway is two seasons removed from winning a Super Bowl and is the greatest player in franchise history. Simply, he'll leave when he wants.

Houston Texans - Rick Smith

Smith whiffed on the Brock Osweiler experiment and responded by trading up for Deshaun Watson. With over a decade of experience, Smith is likely safe but if Watson fails to develop into the team's quarterback of the future, his seat will heat up as the AFC South no longer remains a doormat.

Indianapolis Colts - Chris Ballard

Ballard was hired on January 29 and by all accounts, executed a very strong draft. He's already been granted some good will before his first season gets underway, with Colts fans distancing themselves from memories of Ryan Grigson.

Jacksonville Jaguars - David Caldwell

Caldwell's been afforded enough time and resources to turn the Jaguars into a veritable contender, but it hasn't worked out. After spending lavishly once again during free agency and using the No. 4 pick on Leonard Fournette, Caldwell is out of excuses: either make the playoffs or find a new gig.

Kansas City Chiefs - John Dorsey

Dorsey has turned the Chiefs into a perennial playoff contender and enjoys a strong rapport with head coach Andy Reid. Barring an immediate collapse, Dorsey is safe.

Los Angeles Chargers - Tom Telesco

The Chargers made the playoffs once during Telesco's four-year reign. That simply won't be good enough as the franchise looks to rake in maximum profits under the bright lights of Los Angeles.

Miami Dolphins - Chris Grier

Grier was hired in January 2016 and the Dolphins secured a wild-card berth during his first year with the organization. He's earned a few years of job security as a result.

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick*

Belichick is unofficially the team's general manager and is officially the greatest head coach of all time. His seat will remain cold for the duration of his career.

New York Jets - Mike Maccagnan

Jets fans didn't think it could get any worse than John Idzik's regime, but his successor has arguably been even more disastrous at the helm. Maccagnan submitted a draft that was universally panned and the Jets appear likely to be one of the worst teams in the NFL again. Another poor showing and Maccagnan will be polishing off his resume.

Oakland Raiders - Reggie McKenzie

McKenzie turned the Raiders from a laughingstock to a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The 54-year-old signed a four-year extension last summer and he should finish the remainder of his contract without incident.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Kevin Colbert

Colbert flies under the radar despite engineering one of the NFL's most consistently successful franchises. Pittsburgh has been the picture of stability since the 1970s and he won't be leaving unless it's voluntary.

Tennessee Titans - Jon Robinson

Robinson inherited an absolute mess from former Titans general manager Ruston Webster and turned the team into a viable contender for the division in 15 months. He will be safe, barring an absolute calamity.