Before the 2016 season, Sporting News ranked the top decision makers in the NFL from No. 32 to No. 1. Last year, Miami Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum was ranked 31st on the list. On this year’s list, Tannenbaum’s rating has improved.

Sporting News ranked Tannenbaum as the 22nd best decision maker on their 2017 list. Here’s what Sporting News writer David Steele had to say about Tannenbaum’s ranking on the list:

His best move, by far, was hiring Adam Gase, who clearly was exactly what this team needed when they needed him. One huge move and one far more subtle one from a year earlier paid off big last season: Ndamukong Suh’s contract, and drafting Jay Ajayi in the fifth round. The Dolphins leaped ahead of their AFC East brethren for the honor of Patriots runner-up, which is no small thing.

Tannenbaum’s improvement on the list probably has a lot to do with the Dolphins ending their eight-year playoff drought in 2016. Miami finished the regular season 10-6 and claimed one of the two AFC Wild Card spots.

The Dolphins season closed on a sour note though as they lost 30-12 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Wild Card Game. But it finally appears Miami has a bright future.

Tannenbaum, along with help from general manager Chris Grier and head coach Adam Gase were able to draft key contributors like offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil that helped the Dolphins last season. The trio will hope the Dolphins will continue to trend in the right direction in 2017.