YoloinOhio Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 (edited) INDIANAPOLIS -- An NFL general manager stands in his suite at Lucas Oil Stadium watching the combine workouts. I'm not using his name; even though he's merely admitting what everyone privately acknowledges, he worries about saying it aloud because the combine is such a growth industry for the NFL. After years of coming to Indianapolis, he now understands that his presence here -- everyone's presence -- is simply to play a small part in a televised show, even if real futures are at stake. The players are running on the field down below, and they are running on the screens playing all around him, broadcast by the NFL Network. From his suite, this GM can barely read the names and numbers on their jerseys, so he watches on TV. Like most guys, he has an iPad where the stats and scores and results automatically update in his draft software. Except the results are always posted faster on the live television broadcast than in his own system. That's what cues his sense of dull dread: If I can just watch this on television, and if I don't even really care about the results anyway, then why exactly am I here? Edited March 7, 2019 by YoloinOhio 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bing Bong Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 definitely Ozzie 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aussie Joe Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 The GM’s and Coaches are there to eyeball players in private meetings and to speak to agents about available FA’s during the “non tampering” period.. If it only about watching guys run 40’s I don’t think they would bother.. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffAlone Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Steak, booze,sense of dull dread... Sounds like any given Sunday for Bills' fans. I didn't know you could be paid for that. 7 12 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoshAllenHasBigHands Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 5 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said: The GM’s and Coaches are there to eyeball players in private meetings and to speak to agents about available FA’s during the “non tampering” period.. If it only about watching guys run 40’s I don’t think they would bother.. I can almost guarantee they could care less about the 40's or any other drill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YoloinOhio Posted March 7, 2019 Author Share Posted March 7, 2019 Beane? 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEpsYtown Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Sounds like Steve Kiem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBeane Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 32 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said: INDIANAPOLIS -- An NFL general manager stands in his suite at Lucas Oil Stadium watching the combine workouts. I'm not using his name; even though he's merely admitting what everyone privately acknowledges, he worries about saying it aloud because the combine is such a growth industry for the NFL. After years of coming to Indianapolis, he now understands that his presence here -- everyone's presence -- is simply to play a small part in a televised show, even if real futures are at stake. The players are running on the field down below, and they are running on the screens playing all around him, broadcast by the NFL Network. From his suite, this GM can barely read the names and numbers on their jerseys, so he watches on TV. Like most guys, he has an iPad where the stats and scores and results automatically update in his draft software. Except the results are always posted faster on the live television broadcast than in his own system. That's what cues his sense of dull dread: If I can just watch this on television, and if I don't even really care about the results anyway, then why exactly am I here? Good read while I am "working"! Thanks for sharing!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 "After years of coming to Indianapolis, he now understands that his presence here -- everyone's presence -- is simply to play a small part in a televised show, even if real futures are at stake." He NOW understands this?? Come on! This has to be one of the dumber GMs. I'm guessing the guy from AZ? I bet if it was anywhere but Indy, they would love being there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N.Y. Orangeman Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Wright Thompson is a gift. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Over dramatized fluff piece. Everyone knows that the reason they go is to interview these guys and get together with other GM's. It's clearly valuable. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coach Tuesday Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 DeCosta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Logic Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Awesome piece. Like a much tamer and less drug-addled Hunter S Thompson. I agree that the combine is about 5% useful information and 95% an opportunity for the NFL to make money and command an audience in the offseason. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiotAct Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 1 hour ago, BuffAlone said: Steak, booze,sense of dull dread... Sounds like any given Sunday for Bills' fans. I didn't know you could be paid for that. haha! I also thought this was going to he about Bills fans when I glanced at the title. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Love the article; sums up what I've thought about the combine as well. In a nutshell, it's not about the workouts, it's about the interviews (somewhat) and the glad-handing with agents and other NFL execs (mostly). 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Great piece. Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomeTeam Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Really awesome piece, definitely worth the read. I'm relatively confident in this front office to be able to evaluate talent and the true metrics required to be an outstanding football player/person. How many times in life do we see that the most successful people in their chosen pursuits are not the ones that has the physical numbers/ ideal pasts but rather those that have a strong internal voice. On a side note, how concerning is some of this behaviour of the NFL leadership. What an absolute mob like mentality. There has always been something rotten about the NFL business model. One day maybe I'll quit watching. Just my personal thoughts. Go Bills! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WideNine Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 15 minutes ago, eball said: Love the article; sums up what I've thought about the combine as well. In a nutshell, it's not about the workouts, it's about the interviews (somewhat) and the glad-handing with agents and other NFL execs (mostly). Like a lot of professional sports, the simple purpose of an event can be overtaken by the marketing hype. Not that unusual. Teams have already narrowed down their short list, sent scouts to their schools and games, and as someone indicated this is just their chance to verify their assessment and interview the guys they like. They can always do more follow-ups on pro days too. I wonder how short the combine would be if it was just measurements and interviews and they eliminated all the mandatory media events. Probably less time to sit around, drink booze, and get introspective. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RiotAct Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 my main takeaway from this article was that Freddie Kitchens likes his coffee lukewarm. Ha-ha, what a wuss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbRiddick Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 It does amaze me how certain players can be projected to go late first or early second, then have a great time in the 40 and it suddenly rockets them up the board. I know there's actually a little more to it than that but every year you get a few guys over drafted purely because they're seen as athletic freaks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I suppose every GM and scout looks at the combine a little differently. But I heard one (can't remember which) say that the interviews were the only thing that mattered to him. Tape already told him how the guy played. But the interview gave him insight into how the guy thought - which is something he didn't necessarily know before the combine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mango Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 3 hours ago, MJS said: Over dramatized fluff piece. Everyone knows that the reason they go is to interview these guys and get together with other GM's. It's clearly valuable. I feel like its kinda like when you have to go to your National Sales Meeting. Sweet, I get to spend 3 days boozing on the company dime. Yes you do some networking as well. But overall, the 3 day bender and watching 50 year old guys leave their wedding rings in their hotels so they can go home with some 50 year old lady who is doing the same thing, is pretty gross and gets old very quickly. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 This is just another way for the NFL to its unquestioned dominance in the nose of every other major pro sports league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Shrimp cocktail and a steak at St. Elmo’s is a very nice evening. I’ve been there twice. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 "Outside, some NFL guys walked down the street joking about needing to find a massage parlor to get a "Krafty."" 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muppy Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 Underwear Olympics gone Wild lols at "Krafty" reference ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turk71 Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 My question is why is it always in Indy? On that same track, why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thnksgvng? WTF??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 1 hour ago, hondo in seattle said: I suppose every GM and scout looks at the combine a little differently. But I heard one (can't remember which) say that the interviews were the only thing that mattered to him. Tape already told him how the guy played. But the interview gave him insight into how the guy thought - which is something he didn't necessarily know before the combine. I do think all the information that comes from the combine matter. The interviews being the obvious one to require a physical presence. I do think that the majority of how a GM receives information and decides on it, comes from film. Let's just take N'Keal Harry for example. Everywhere, including the schools website has him listed as 6'4". He measured in just over 6'2. Metcalf, who's being described as a physical freak benched pressed 225 - 27 times. So did Harry. This is information that while may not override film - is still important to any GM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buddo Posted March 7, 2019 Share Posted March 7, 2019 I thought that was a terrific read, and well worth the time. Thanks for posting it. There's a lot of intriguing stuff about the interview process as well. While it seems some teams employ professional character evaluators, many (possibly the large majority), don't and are reliant on the GMs and HCs ability to be able to see the wood from the trees, and it appears that many aren't well prepared to actually do that, yet still persist in thinking that they can. Ultimately, it looks like that a kids success at the combine interviews, is mostly going to be due to how well he can convince teams, that his sole focus in life, is to be a good football player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 (edited) The steak and booze I get. (They’re awesome!) I wonder if the dull dread is knowing you have to go back home to NJ to run the Jets and personally pay for the good stuff without an expense account??? Just a guess....... . Edited March 8, 2019 by Augie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Augie Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 3 hours ago, Turk71 said: My question is why is it always in Indy? On that same track, why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thnksgvng? WTF??? Indy? No idea. Is it open to anyone besides teams and media? Not like the draft which is a public event and deserves to be moved around. (As far as I know.) Thanksgiving? I don’t know who thinks the Cowboys are really America’s team, but I think the Lions get the game because even Bills fans can feel sorry for them? I think even Browns fans feel the same way! It doesn’t make a great game to watch, but it’s their little Thanksgiving treat - and we get to eat whenever we want, so maybe it’s like putting all of Detroit at the kids table. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 5 hours ago, Mango said: I feel like its kinda like when you have to go to your National Sales Meeting. Sweet, I get to spend 3 days boozing on the company dime. Yes you do some networking as well. But overall, the 3 day bender and watching 50 year old guys leave their wedding rings in their hotels so they can go home with some 50 year old lady who is doing the same thing, is pretty gross and gets old very quickly. I'm sure Beane and McDermott are all in and focused. I'm sure plenty of other coaches and GM's are as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfanmiami(oh) Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 6 hours ago, BarleyNY said: Shrimp cocktail and a steak at St. Elmo’s is a very nice evening. I’ve been there twice. Ill be there Monday night! Great spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 1 hour ago, billsfanmiami(oh) said: Ill be there Monday night! Great spot. Have a great meal! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Barbarian Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 Party time , excellent!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reed83HOF Posted March 8, 2019 Share Posted March 8, 2019 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillsfaninChicago Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 I habe been to Indy twice, both for Bills games and it is an awesome time. St. Elmos is an amazing place and the shrimp with the super spicy cocktail sauce is an adventure you can’t miss! Also I don’t know what it is about that Howl at the Moon but it is a really good time with a ton of single woman! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptnCoke11 Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 On 3/7/2019 at 3:29 PM, muppy said: Underwear Olympics gone Wild lols at "Krafty" reference ? OTPK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billieve420 Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 (edited) On 3/7/2019 at 3:43 PM, Turk71 said: My question is why is it always in Indy? On that same track, why do the Lions and Cowboys always play on Thnksgvng? WTF??? Familiarity. Same hospitals for medical evaluations. Personnel staff had made connections locally. The only reason they would move it if the NFL could make more money off it somewhere else. However, I am sure majority of teams prefer things as they are. Edited March 9, 2019 by billieve420 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thurman#1 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 (edited) Thing that stuck out for me was this. "The teams correctly assume that the answers they seek lie hidden inside the players, and yet the combine gives them all just 15-minute interviews amid the circus of other activity. Some teams would rather the entire week be devoted to interviews, along with the invaluable medicals exams. Franchises are forever fumbling in the dark for clues. They all try a forever-changing system of interrogations, mock-therapy sessions and psych evals. A few, like the Colts and the Patriots, have utilized non-football leadership and character experts who are fully integrated into their facility and staff. Most, however, have not. "When I asked around in Indy, I was told the reason is shockingly simple: many coaches believe their own myth about being leaders of men and experts in the realms of character and motivation. They cannot admit in public that they really don't know much about any of those things. Maybe in every NFL facility there is a person or a group of people who could win games, maybe even The Game, if the people above them could stop preening long enough to listen. "Since the interviews are where a team stands to gain the most insight, I wondered what it is possible to learn in 15 minutes -- or at least what would be possible if you got a trained professional and didn't leave this up to coaches and general managers. I decided to get a psychological evaluation. A few calls later, I was hooked up with Dana Sinclair, who has done the tests for the Lions, Seahawks and, for years, the Colts. She worked for Dungy and Jim Caldwell, and then she left, and now the team has hired a Green Beret, still looking for different ways to answer the same question." Yet another way the Pats find to get a small advantage. This isn't Belichick, you can bet, it's their whole brain trust working together and well, and you can bet that Belichick heard it and immediately agreed. There's more in the story about his own evaluation as conducted by a (non-NFL) pro and how very accurate it was. Damn it. Why aren't we doing this, next year, if not this year. Edited March 10, 2019 by Thurman#1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts