“Why This 2014 Kevin Costner Film Is a Must-Watch Before the NFL Draft”
If You Want to Get Hyped for the NFL Draft, Draft Day Is the Perfect Place to Start
Every April, the NFL gathers for one of its most pivotal events: the NFL Draft. Though it’s still months away from the start of the season, the draft kicks off on Thursday, August 24, and has become nearly as thrilling for fans as opening day. Why? Because it shapes the league’s future—altering team trajectories, defining careers, and sometimes rewriting history.
At its core, the NFL Draft is a system for all 32 teams to bring in new talent. But it’s far more complex than Commissioner Roger Goodell simply announcing names from a list. Behind the scenes, it’s a high-stakes chess match of strategy, trades, and split-second decisions. Fortunately, there’s a perfect movie that captures this intensity: Draft Day (2014), directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Kevin Costner.
Before diving into the film, here’s a quick primer on how the draft works: The draft includes seven rounds, with each team getting one pick per round—plus additional compensatory picks awarded by the league. The order is based on the previous season’s standings, with the worst teams picking earlier and the Super Bowl winner selecting last. While this system aims to balance competition across the league, things get interesting when you consider teams can trade picks—sometimes years in advance—to climb the draft board or stockpile future assets.
That trading dynamic is at the heart of Draft Day. Costner plays Sonny Weaver Jr., general manager of the Cleveland Browns, who faces enormous pressure as the 2014 draft kicks off. The Browns hold the seventh overall pick, but Sonny is offered a blockbuster trade by the Seattle Seahawks to move up to number one—giving him the chance to select the top prospect, quarterback Bo Callahan (Josh Pence).
However, Sonny has doubts. Bo’s talent is undeniable, but red flags—including troubling game tape and behind-the-scenes rumors—begin to surface. Meanwhile, Sonny is drawn to another player: linebacker Vontae Mack (played by the late Chadwick Boseman), a rising star with less hype but more heart. With ownership breathing down his neck, a head coach who disagrees with his instincts, and personal matters complicating his focus, Sonny has to make a choice that could define his career—and the Browns’ future.
While Draft Day takes some creative liberties, it does an excellent job of portraying the tension and complexity of the real NFL Draft. It’s not a documentary, but it captures the spirit of the event: the hopes, the hustle, and the high-stakes nature of every decision. The NFL Draft is a spectacle full of emotion, image, and ambition—players walking the stage in sharp suits, teams trying to strike gold, and fans watching it all unfold.
Draft Day dramatizes what it takes to get to that moment—the deals, the doubt, the drama. If you’re looking to get excited for this year’s draft, there’s no better way to gear up than watching this underrated sports gem.
