Bengals1181 Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 As someone who worked in an NFL front office for 10 years, my initial thought upon being asked to review Draft Day was that it would be an entertaining movie with an enticing ensemble cast—but lacking any true depiction of how an NFL team operates leading up to and during the draft. Those suspicions were confirmed upon seeing it last weekend. While Draft Day held my interest and at times came tantalizingly close to mirroring reality—especially the tension and emotion in the green room, where players nervously wait for their names to be called while TV cameras record every reaction—it predictably revolved around cinematic “wow” moments rather than the tedious reality of working in an NFL front office. The true minutiae of a football operation may only be fascinating to avid football fans, so I understand the need to portray it in a more sensational light for mass appeal. As with the business football, the business of filmmaking rules decision-making. The studio executives behind Draft Day knew that a movie entirely true to NFL war room preparation and execution—with the nonstop waiting around, checking and rechecking of scouting and medical reports, and talking in code about players—would be box office suicide. But then again, I’ve seen two other movies that more accurately captured the business of sports without sacrificing broad appeal. I thought Jerry Maguire accurately portrayed the cutthroat nature of the agent business, especially the lengths to which agents will go to retain or pilfer clients. It also captured the financial, emotional and psychological investment that goes far beyond negotiating contracts. While it veered into a love story between the characters played Tom Cruise and Rene Zellweger—“You had me at hello!”—it still largely resonated with reality. And I definitely noticed an uptick of young people becoming interested in the agent business after Jerry Maguire. Moneyball persuasively exposed front office tension between competing scouting applications: the old school “eye-balling” of players and newer models of data-driven statistical analysis. I thought the most powerful and instructive line of the movie was spoken by Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt), who proclaimed, “Adapt or die!” As a theme, pure baseball wasn’t enough to carry Moneyball; movies require character development and subplots, and the heartfelt scenes between the divorced Beane and his endearing daughter certainly pulled on heartstrings. But I still think Moneyball—both the book and the movie—will become a time capsule for the business of sports: fifty years from now fans will chuckle at the skepticism that some scouts and coaches had about analytical player evaluation. As for Draft Day, here are my biggest takeaways on its authenticity—or lack thereof. The grind Preparing for the NFL draft is a painstakingly slow and laborious process—involving millions of dollars and hundreds of hours—toward selecting anywhere from seven to 10 players who will be meaningful additions to the infrastructure of the team for years to come. Scouts and general managers scour the country for six months before convening to carefully construct The Board, each team’s blueprint that will guide draft day decision-making. The best general managers calmly trust The Board to guide them at all times. Months of meticulous preparation have been invested; it is time for team personnel to pace themselves for the three long days of the draft. In Draft Day, the Browns are incredibly doing due diligence on their presumptive top choice—quaterback Bo Callahan (Josh Pence)—after trading three first-round picks so they can move up to select him! What’s more, general manager Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner) discovers on film a sharp downturn in in Callahan’s performance after he’s sacked by linebacker Vontae Mack (Chadwick Boseman). And Weaver only does so after getting a call on his cellphone from Mack, who has a direct line to a GM on the day of the draft. In the real world, that information would have been uncovered, discussed, debated and dissected months earlier. There are very few surprises about NFL prospects, who have been grilled for months. Impulse, emotion and conflict I thought Kevin Costner was admirably understated and realistic in his portrayal of an NFL general manager. Though spurred by a save-your-job ultimatum from Browns owner Anthony Molina (Frank Langella), his impulsive trading of picks is the type of irrational decision-making that seems to be more in line with his character from Tin Cup, the risk-taking Roy McAvoy. Yes, it’s true that the real-life Redskins did mortgage their future by sending three top draft picks to the Rams in order to select Robert Griffin III in 2012, but that was a rare exception we may never see again. Teams know that first-round draft picks are among the most valuable currency and are loathe to trade them, especially not in time-pressured spontaneous phone conversations without consulting trusted associates. When the powers that be—usually owners and head coaches rather than general managers—make impulsive decisions, it renders months of preparation and grunt work utterly meaningless. Nothing deflates a scouting staff more than a rogue decision-maker who strays from The Board to satiate a gut feeling. The movie did portray a realistic view of the all-consuming nature of what it takes to be an NFL general manager, including Weaver masochistically listening to talk radio skewering him. Many NFL general managers listen, watch and read everything that gets said about them—especially the ones who say they don’t. Further, I thought the interactions between the Browns’ security director and Weaver were accurate in terms of the type of information that was uncovered and shared, even if it was revealed far too late in the process. Throughout the film, Weaver seems to be living in a constant state of conflict. He has heated exchanges with the team owner (who still hasn’t taken off his sunglasses); with his coach (the two aren’t in the same universe, let alone being on the same page); with his mother (who insists on scattering her late husband’s ashes on the team’s practice field an hour before the draft), and his incumbent quarterback (who throws a tantrum and trashes Weaver’s office upon hearing the team may select his replacement). Internal tensions exist within every NFL team, but they occur in much more subtle, muted and measured tones. Of course, subtle and measured do not play well in Hollywood. Jennifer Garner as the Browns’ salary cap manager I am still processing this one. The Browns’ salary cap manager, Ali Parker, is the secret girlfriend of the general manager, and pregnant with his child. Um, well, I suppose there were some late nights poring over contract language and salary cap impacts? During my time as the Packers vice president—I did the same job that Jennifer Garner does in the film—I am sure the hundreds of agents with whom I dealt would have much preferred negotiating with her rather than me. The reality, however, is that while there are many women in administrative roles on NFL teams—legal, public relations, marketing, finance, etc.—there are very few in the gritty world of general managers, agents, scouts and coaches. While Garner commendably depicted the calm and measured personality required of that role, her character offered little pushback against Weaver’s unpredictable professional impulses. Asked about cash and cap consequences of trading picks to move into the top spot of the draft, she rightfully informed Weaver of the increased cost but, in an effort to please, proclaimed, “We can do it!” In a more realistic portrayal, she would have been a stronger voice of caution, advising that forfeiting future top draft picks would mean that reasonably priced long-term assets would likely be replaced with more expensive and short-term (veteran) replacements. Six final takeaways from Draft Day Although Sean Combs was cast in the role of a stereotypical agent, the presence of real NFL agents—such as David Dunn, agent for the fictional top pick Vontae Mack, and veteran Eugene Parker moving through the green room—was a nice addition. I smiled at seeing Dunn carrying with his ubiquitous yellow legal pad, a fixture for Dave in our many negotiations. No team doctor or trainer appeared in the film, even though they are essential in the draft day decision-making process. Although the bumbling intern assisting Weaver is a humorous character (played by Griffin Newman), the thought of a new intern completely foreign to the GM handling critical calls from other general managers on the day of the draft is, well, it’s a movie. I found it interesting that the NFL general manager most duped in trade machinations worked for the Seahawks, a team that is known to have one of the more astute front offices in the league (Draft Day, of course, was filmed prior to Seattle winning the Super Bowl last season). The interactions between general managers, complete with split-screen phone conversations, were infused with a bit too much testosterone. Most GMs hone their skills in the same college scouting circles and have known each other for years. They realize the risk to their reputations of “getting over” on one another. Further, the “deer in the headlights” look of the Jaguars’ general manager is, while amusing, a bit hard to imagine of someone managing a billion dollar asset. And, of course, the movie ending with the team’s general manager and salary cap manager walking out hand-in-hand with, ostensibly, more than half of the draft’s first round still to play out? Well, there’s a difference between the reality of The Board and the big screen. http://mmqb.si.com/2014/04/16/nfl-draft-day-movie/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texbengal Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 Saw it - if you're looking for realism, I'm guessing it's far from it. Jennifer Garner looked good, though. That's about it. At least I saw the matinee. Pretty lame movie, I thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big_dish Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 I dont understand why it would revolve around the Browns, the most inept team in the league. Unless the team is inept in the movie as well? No offense, Rumble, but they are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals1181 Posted April 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 I dont understand why it would revolve around the Browns, the most inept team in the league. Unless the team is inept in the movie as well? No offense, Rumble, but they are. the city of Cleveland offered the best tax breaks. The movie was originally supposed to be about the Buffalo Bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big_dish Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 the city of Cleveland offered the best tax breaks. The movie was originally supposed to be about the Buffalo Bills. Oh really? Thats interesting. Well, Bills arent much better anyway. I dont know if I have any urge to watch this movie other than Redbox'ing it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 The movie got full cooperation from the NFL, which is fairly rare. So real team names and facilities make an appearance along with the real Roger Goodell. On the other hand the Browns trade 3 first round picks to move up from 7 to 1st overall. Then get cold feet about the QB they moved up for. And end up taking a MLB. On second thought that sounds about right for the Browns. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bengals1181 Posted April 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 The movie got full cooperation from the NFL, which is fairly rare. So real team names and facilities make an appearance along with the real Roger Goodell. On the other hand the Browns trade 3 first round picks to move up from 7 to 1st overall. Then get cold feet about the QB they moved up for. And end up taking a MLB. On second thought that sounds about right for the Browns. spoilers! :lol: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Lucid| Posted April 16, 2014 Report Share Posted April 16, 2014 I dont understand why it would revolve around the Browns, the most inept team in the league. Unless the team is inept in the movie as well? No offense, Rumble, but they are. From reading that review it sounds like they are. .Trading 3 first round picks for a QB who they aren't even completely sold on yet? The movie got full cooperation from the NFL, which is fairly rare. So real team names and facilities make an appearance along with the real Roger Goodell. On the other hand the Browns trade 3 first round picks to move up from 7 to 1st overall. Then get cold feet about the QB they moved up for. And end up taking a MLB. On second thought that sounds about right for the Browns. Oh, yeah what he said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 The movie got full cooperation from the NFL, which is fairly rare. So real team names and facilities make an appearance along with the real Roger Goodell. On the other hand the Browns trade 3 first round picks to move up from 7 to 1st overall. Then get cold feet about the QB they moved up for. And end up taking a MLB. On second thought that sounds about right for the Browns. Glad I wasn't planning on seeing it anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texbengal Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 The movie got full cooperation from the NFL, which is fairly rare. So real team names and facilities make an appearance along with the real Roger Goodell. On the other hand the Browns trade 3 first round picks to move up from 7 to 1st overall. Then get cold feet about the QB they moved up for. And end up taking a MLB. On second thought that sounds about right for the Browns. Yeah, but the fictional MLB star went to Ohio State! Hope he was a better player than Andy Katzenmoyer. I guess if he was James Laurinitis, that would be better, but not as the top pick in the draft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dub Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 I think it's amazing how modern computer graphics and special effects were able to create a believable science fiction universe in which the Browns are anything but unmitigated suck. Still, imagine what could have been if they made it more of a white-collar crime thriller. where a hillbilly truck stop kingpin buys a historically inept NFL franchise only to fall under investigation for tax fraud and other shadiness soon afterwards. I guess nobody would believe that, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluhartz Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 The movie got full cooperation from the NFL, which is fairly rare. So real team names and facilities make an appearance along with the real Roger Goodell. On the other hand the Browns trade 3 first round picks to move up from 7 to 1st overall. Then get cold feet about the QB they moved up for. And end up taking a MLB. On second thought that sounds about right for the Browns. that's true? LOL.. I wish they would really do that... I can't wait to see it now....for a good laugh.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VonBlade Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 I dunno, getting the whole of the MLB for three first rounders is pretty good. The Browns obviously suck at football so trying baseball might be the answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CincyInDC Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 that's true? LOL.. I wish they would really do that... I can't wait to see it now....for a good laugh.. Save the dough and just watch the real draft in May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluhartz Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 Save the dough and just watch the real draft in May. I wouldn't pay a penny to see a movie about the stains. I meant when it is magically attainable via the interwebz(I mean when I can rent it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparky151 Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 that's true? LOL.. I wish they would really do that... I can't wait to see it now....for a good laugh.. The movie was shot before the season last year so they had to guess which teams would have the top picks. They had Jacksonville and Arizona near the top but had Seattle as the worst team and Denver in the top 5. Then the Browns trade up to #1, then start their research on the guy they traded up to get. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dub Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 the “deer in the headlights” look of the Jaguars’ general manager is, while amusing, a bit hard to imagine of someone managing a billion dollar asset. :ninja_star: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Le Tigre Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 It will be on Netflix eventually. Pair it with Major League, and have a North Coast double-feature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Dub Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 It will be on Netflix eventually. Pair it with Major League, and have a North Coast double-feature. Difference being that Major League was intentionally a comedy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChicagoBengal Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 Even a movie about the Browns finishes in 4th (according to its week one box office. Total realism! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble In the Jungle Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 Oh really? Thats interesting. Well, Bills arent much better anyway. I dont know if I have any urge to watch this movie other than Redbox'ing it. You are one funny dude. But the Bills actually refused to be in the movie so the Browns stepped up. They wanted a shitty team for the roll actually that is constantly getting top pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knomage Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 i saw the movie Thurs night and i have to say i liked it. It is difficult to address some of the complaints (most by those that haven't seen it) without giving away plot points of the movie. I realize that loving football and loving movies isnt exactly a huge overlapping audience but to me the compromises made were not done without a degree of reason and the compacting of everything into a few hours of one day kept things moving. The themes of father /son and mother /son were not anticipated as was the generational conflict between those that are leaving and those that have finally arrived. yes its a movie about the draft and probably not more than 50 % realistic but knowing the huge busts that the careful processes have produced and the strange paths that genuine great players sometimes takes , makes reality seem surreal every year... the draft entertains..the movie entertains The End Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bunghole| Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 i saw the movie Thurs night and i have to say i liked it. It is difficult to address some of the complaints (most by those that haven't seen it) without giving away plot points of the movie. I realize that loving football and loving movies isnt exactly a huge overlapping audience but to me the compromises made were not done without a degree of reason and the compacting of everything into a few hours of one day kept things moving. The themes of father /son and mother /son were not anticipated as was the generational conflict between those that are leaving and those that have finally arrived. yes its a movie about the draft and probably not more than 50 % realistic but knowing the huge busts that the careful processes have produced and the strange paths that genuine great players sometimes takes , makes reality seem surreal every year... the draft entertains..the movie entertains The End What degree of reason or reality under the current rookie cap could there be for trading THREE first round picks to move up in ANY draft? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knomage Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 Once again, its a germane plot point...and damn near everyone bitching about it might do the same thing in similar circumstances... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|Bunghole| Posted April 19, 2014 Report Share Posted April 19, 2014 I knew the Browns would move their franchise to Germany. I just KNEW it! Now we have to have a home game overseas! Fuckers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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