2004 NFL Draft

The 2004 NFL Draft, held at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City from April 24-25, 2004, is considered one of the most significant drafts in recent NFL history, mainly due to the number of high-caliber quarterbacks and other impactful players it produced. This draft was notable for its trades, including the Eli Manning-Philip Rivers trade and the high number of wide receivers selected in the first round.

The San Diego Chargers initially selected Eli Manning with the first overall pick. However, Manning's reluctance to play for the Chargers led to a draft-day trade that sent him to the New York Giants. In return, the Giants sent Philip Rivers, whom they had selected fourth overall, to the Chargers and other draft picks. This trade would have a long-lasting impact on both franchises.

✦ Here's a look at the first-round selections from the 2004 NFL Draft:

1. San Diego Chargers: Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss (Traded to NYG)

2. Oakland Raiders: Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa

3. Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Pittsburgh

4. New York Giants: Philip Rivers, QB, NC State (Traded to SD)

5. Washington Redskins: Sean Taylor, S, Miami (FL)

6. Cleveland Browns: Kellen Winslow II, TE, Miami (FL)

7. Detroit Lions: Roy Williams, WR, Texas

8. Atlanta Falcons: DeAngelo Hall, CB, Virginia Tech

9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Reggie Williams, WR, Washington

10. Houston Texans: Dunta Robinson, CB, South Carolina

11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Miami (OH)

12. New York Jets: Jonathan Vilma, LB, Miami (FL)

13. Buffalo Bills: Lee Evans, WR, Wisconsin

14. Chicago Bears: Tommie Harris, DT, Oklahoma

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Michael Clayton, WR, LSU

16. Philadelphia Eagles: Shawn Andrews, OG, Arkansas

17. Denver Broncos: D. J. Williams, LB, Miami (FL)

18. New Orleans Saints: Will Smith, DE, Ohio State

19. Miami Dolphins: Vernon Carey, OT, Miami (FL)

20. Minnesota Vikings: Kenechi Udeze, DE, USC

21. New England Patriots: Vince Wilfork, DT, Miami (FL)

22. Buffalo Bills: J. P. Losman, QB, Tulane

23. Seattle Seahawks: Marcus Tubbs, DT, Texas

24. St. Louis Rams: Steven Jackson, RB, Oregon State

25. Green Bay Packers: Ahmad Carroll, CB, Arkansas

26. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Perry, RB, Michigan

27. Houston Texans: Jason Babin, DE Western Michigan

28. Carolina Panthers: Chris Gamble, CB, Ohio State

29. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Jenkins, WR, Ohio State

30. Detroit Lions: Kevin Jones, RB, Virginia Tech

31. San Francisco 49ers: Rashaun Woods, WR, Oklahoma State

32. New England Patriots: Benjamin Watson, TE, Georgia