Draft Day 2014

As the fictionalized 2014 NFL Draft unfolds, a palpable sense of anticipation surrounds the coveted first overall pick, which has been pegged as Bo Callahan, the University of Wisconsin quarterback who just happened to claim the Heisman Trophy. For Cleveland Browns general manager Sonny Weaver Jr. (Kevin Costner), holding the seventh overall pick poses a crucial decision-making juncture. His personal and professional lives are already entwined in a complex web of emotions, having recently learned that his girlfriend Ali Parker (Jennifer Garner) is expecting their child - a secret she shares with him as the team’s lawyer, whose primary concern is safeguarding the integrity of the Browns’ salary cap.

As Weaver grapples with this newfound responsibility, he faces a pivotal moment when Seahawks general manager Tom Michaels extends an offer to trade for the top pick. Initially, Weaver declines, but later agrees after being coaxed into making a bold move by Michaels, who cleverly manipulates him into surrendering three years’ worth of first-round draft picks. This bold gamble is fueled by the urgings of Browns owner Anthony Molina (Frank Langella), who yearns for the team to make a splash at the draft.

Weaver’s ultimate decision sparks controversy as he opts to bypass Vonte Mack, the top defensive prospect, in favor of pursuing either Bo Callahan or Ray Jennings. The Browns’ ownership group is ecstatic with this bold move, with Molina even traveling to New York City for the draft, intent on personally presenting Callahan with a Browns jersey. However, this calculated risk incurs the wrath of Seahawks fans, who had been fervently rooting for Callahan to don their team’s colors. Social media becomes a battleground as disgruntled supporters express their discontent with Michaels and publicly demand Walt’s intervention to rectify the situation.

As the Browns’ general manager, Sunny (played by none other than) navigates a maelstrom of emotions as the team’s quarterback, Brian Drew, is set to be replaced by Bo Callahan. This development not only rankles the current head coach, Penn (Denis Leary), who had envisioned a different system offense featuring running back Ray Jennings, but also sparks outrage from Drew himself, who feels his career at the Browns is effectively over.

Meanwhile, whispers of potential trades begin to circulate, with the Buffalo Bills offering their star quarterback and two years’ worth of first-round picks in exchange for Sunny’s services. The Kansas City Chiefs also express interest in acquiring Drew, further complicating the situation.

In an effort to get to the bottom of things, Sunny conducts some discreet detective work, uncovering a telling revelation about Callahan’s past: namely, that none of his collegiate teammates attended his 21st birthday celebration during his final year at university. A phone call to Callahan’s coach yields a theory that the incident involved police officers taking names at the party, but deliberately omitting those of the college varsity team players in order to spare their careers.

As tensions simmer beneath the surface, Sunny confides in Parker about his own frustrations with the demands placed upon him. Having inherited the Browns’ reins just two years prior and never having had the opportunity to build his own team, he feels trapped between pleasing others and executing his vision. Furthermore, Sunny reveals that he was forced to fire his own father from the coaching staff due to the immense stress it was placing on the man’s health, a decision that came with its own set of emotional burdens.

As Parker imparts words of encouragement to Sunny, he emboldens his friend to defy the offer from Buffalo, instead opting for a path less traveled. With newfound resolve, Sunny turns his attention to the video of Callahan’s game against Vonte Mack, observing with keen eyes as the latter outmaneuvers the former with ease. Though Callahan ultimately emerges victorious on the field, it is clear that Vonte was removed from the contest prior to the final play, a detail that piques Sunny’s curiosity. Further investigation reveals the astonishing truth: Vonte had been disqualified for an unprecedented gesture - handing the same ball to a young girl during the game, a move that belied his grief over the loss of his sister just six months prior.

Meanwhile, whispers surrounding Callahan’s honesty begin to circulate, fueled by two incidents that tarnish his reputation. The first involves a 21st birthday party disturbance/robbery, an event ostensibly devoid of Wisconsin teammates despite Callahan’s captaincy. The second pertains to alleged fabrications regarding the Washington Redskins’ playbook, a claim that Sunny confronts Callahan about, only to be met with evasive denials and feigned forgetfulness.

As the Browns prepare for the draft, Sunny makes a bold move, selecting Vonte Mack without consulting his superiors. Though this decision appears to catch Weaver off guard, it ultimately yields a surprising dividend: Mack’s talent proves too great to ignore. However, Molina’s ire is piqued by this sudden turn of events, prompting him to depart the draft in New York City and fly back to Cleveland to confront Sunny. Callahan, meanwhile, begins to exhibit signs of anxiety, his composure fraying like a threadbare cloak. His agent, Chris Crawford, must intervene to coax him back onto the draft floor.

As the draft progresses, Callahan’s stock steadily declines, leaving him available for the sixth overall pick held by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Weaver seizes this opportunity, negotiating a deal that yields three years’ worth of second-round picks in exchange for the coveted selection. Molina arrives on the scene, his face ablaze with fury, as he confronts Weaver over the perceived slight. However, Weaver’s persuasive powers prove too great, convincing Molina to allow him to complete the draft.

Weaver then turns his attention to Michaels, who possesses the seventh overall pick and an intense desire for Callahan. A masterful negotiator, Weaver secures the sixth pick, along with Seattle’s David Putney, in exchange for a package that includes three first-round picks. This shrewd maneuver allows Weaver to select Ray Jennings, thereby appeasing coach Penn and cementing his reputation as a shrewd drafter.

As the curtain rises on Opening Day 2014, the Browns’ draft is celebrated as a resounding success, with the team’s fortunes appearing to be on an upward trajectory. Meanwhile, Ali (visibly pregnant at the time) remains by Weaver’s side, her presence serving as a poignant reminder of the personal stakes that lie ahead for the couple. Amidst the excitement and anticipation surrounding the new season, every member of the Browns’ roster - including Mack, Jennings, Drew, and Putney - exudes a palpable sense of enthusiasm and eagerness to get started. With the opening pitch just moments away, it’s clear that this team is ready to put their best foot forward and make the most of their opportunity.