2004 NFL Draft
The Trade That Defined Three Franchises
What Happened vs What Should've Happened
Compare the original draft order with career-based re-rankings
The Scenario
Eli Manning refused to play for San Diego. The Chargers drafted him anyway at #1, then traded him to the Giants for Philip Rivers (#4) and picks. Ben Roethlisberger went #11.All three became Super Bowl winners — but context determined whose legacy shines brightest.
Eli Manning
Pick #1 → Giants
Philip Rivers
Pick #4 → Chargers
Ben Roethlisberger
Pick #11 • Steelers
Eli Manning → New York Giants
| Factor | Rating | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Tom Coughlin) | 80/100 | 12% | 9.6 |
| OC (Kevin Gilbride) | 70/100 | 18% | 12.6 |
| Offensive Line | 75/100 | 20% | 15.0 |
| Defense | 85/100 | 15% | 12.8 |
| Market (NYC) | 60/100 | 10% | 6.0 |
| Ownership (Mara) | 85/100 | 15% | 12.8 |
| Pressure (forced trade) | 50/100 | 10% | 5.0 |
| TOTAL FIT SCORE | 75.5 | ||
What Happened
Eli was never the best QB in any given year. But twice he got hot in the playoffs with elite defenses. Two Super Bowl wins over the Patriots — including the perfect season upset. The Giants provided stability, coaching, and crucially: defense when it mattered.Hall of Fame debate forever, but 2 rings is 2 rings.
Philip Rivers → San Diego Chargers
| Factor | Rating | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Marty → Norv) | 55/100 | 12% | 6.6 |
| Offensive Talent | 85/100 | 18% | 15.3 |
| Weapons (LT, Gates) | 90/100 | 15% | 13.5 |
| Front Office Moves | 40/100 | 20% | 8.0 |
| Playoff Luck | 25/100 | 15% | 3.8 |
| Market (SD → LA) | 50/100 | 10% | 5.0 |
| Ownership (Spanos) | 35/100 | 10% | 3.5 |
| TOTAL FIT SCORE | 62.1 | ||
What Happened
Rivers was arguably the most talented of the three — elite arm, brilliant competitor. But the Chargers were cursed: Marlon McCree's fumble, the 2007 ACL game, Nate Kaeding's misses. Great teams that never closed. Then Spanos moved to LA and gutted the roster.8 Pro Bowls. Zero Super Bowl appearances. The cruel side of context.
Ben Roethlisberger → Pittsburgh Steelers (#11)
| Factor | Rating | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| HC (Bill Cowher) | 90/100 | 12% | 10.8 |
| OC (Ken Whisenhunt) | 80/100 | 18% | 14.4 |
| Offensive Line | 85/100 | 20% | 17.0 |
| Defense (Steel Curtain 2.0) | 95/100 | 15% | 14.3 |
| Running Game | 85/100 | 10% | 8.5 |
| Ownership (Rooney) | 95/100 | 15% | 14.3 |
| Pressure (#11) | 85/100 | 10% | 8.5 |
| TOTAL FIT SCORE | 83.8 | ||
What Happened
Ben walked into the NFL's best situation: elite defense, dominant O-line, power running game. He went 13-0 as a rookie starter. Won a Super Bowl in year 2 (barely played). The Steelers let him develop, protected him, and built around him for 18 years.2 rings, 3 Super Bowls, no drama with the franchise.
Philip Rivers → New York Giants
The Alternate Timeline
Rivers with the Giants' defense in 2007 and 2011? Those playoff runs still happen — probably even more dominant. Rivers was more consistent than Eli in the regular season. With Coughlin's discipline and Mara's stability: 2+ rings and zero debate about Hall of Fame. The best QB in this class in the best situation.
The Situation Swap
Ben (PIT)
2 rings, perfect fit
Eli (NYG)
2 rings, right time
Rivers (SD)
0 rings, bad luck
Rivers (NYG)
Hypothetical: HOF lock
Point swing for Rivers: Giants vs. Chargers
The Verdict
Traditional Re-Draft Says:
"Ben #1, Rivers #2, Eli #3"
Contextual Re-Draft Says:
"Rivers to NY = clear HOF. Eli to SD = no rings. Ben wins regardless — Pittsburgh was that good."
Eli's trade demand worked. Rivers got screwed by context. Ben got the best situation and made the most of it. Legacy isn't just talent — it's where you land.