2004 NFL draft
The 2004 NFL Draft was the 69th annual player selection meeting held by National Football League (NFL) franchises to choose eligible college athletes.[1] It took place over two days, April 24–25, 2004, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New_York_City, and featured seven rounds with a total of 255 selections across all 32 teams.[2][3] The draft is best remembered for its opening drama, as the San Diego Chargers selected quarterback Eli Manning from the University of Mississippi with the first overall pick, only for Manning to refuse to play for the team and force a trade to the New York Giants later that day.[4] In exchange, the Giants sent the Chargers their fourth overall pick—quarterback Philip Rivers from North Carolina State—along with a third-round pick in 2004, a first-round pick in 2005, and a fifth-round pick in 2005.[4] This blockbuster deal highlighted the high stakes of quarterback selections and set the tone for a draft rich in signal-callers and wide receivers. Subsequent top picks included offensive tackle Robert Gallery from the University of Iowa, taken second overall by the Oakland Raiders to bolster their line.[1] The Arizona Cardinals followed at third with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald from the University of Pittsburgh, who went on to become one of the most prolific pass-catchers in NFL history.[1] Other notable first-round selections featured cornerback Dunta Robinson (tenth overall, Houston Texans), safety Sean Taylor (fifth overall, Washington Redskins), wide receiver Roy Williams (seventh overall, Dallas Cowboys), and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from Miami University (Ohio), chosen 11th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] The class produced seven first-round wide receivers, tying a record at the time, and included six players from the University of Miami.[5] This draft class had a profound long-term impact, yielding the Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year (Ben Roethlisberger) and Defensive Rookie of the Year (Jonathan Vilma) in 2004.[6][7] Manning and Roethlisberger each led their teams to multiple Super Bowl victories, with Manning earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XLII and Roethlisberger in Super Bowl XL, while Fitzgerald amassed over 17,000 receiving yards in his career.[8] The 2004 draft is often ranked among the strongest of the early 2000s for its depth at premium positions, contributing significantly to championship runs for the Giants and Steelers. In December 2025, Philip Rivers—acquired by the Chargers in the blockbuster first-overall trade—signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad at age 44, five years after retiring, potentially becoming the last active player from this class.[9][10][11]Overview
Dates and Location
The 2004 NFL Draft took place over two days, April 24 and 25, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[2] This venue had hosted the annual event continuously since 1995, marking a decade of drafts in the iconic New York location before the NFL shifted sites in subsequent years.[12] The first session on Saturday, April 24, covered the initial three rounds, beginning at 11 a.m. CT and extending approximately until 9 p.m. CT.[2] The following day, Sunday, April 25, featured the remaining four rounds, starting at 10 a.m. CT and concluding around 5 p.m. CT.[2] This two-day format allowed for a structured progression of selections, with a total of 255 picks across seven rounds, including 32 compensatory choices.[2] The theater accommodated up to 4,000 fans, with free tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9 a.m. ET each day and doors opening at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday and 10 a.m. ET on Sunday.[2] This setup facilitated direct fan interactions, enabling attendees to witness the proceedings live in an energetic atmosphere. Pre-draft ceremonies included the on-site presence of top prospects such as quarterbacks Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger, who awaited their selections among the crowd.[2]Selection Order and Compensatory Picks
The selection order for the 2004 NFL Draft was determined primarily by the reverse order of team standings from the 2003 NFL season, with non-playoff teams ranked from worst to best record.[13] The San Diego Chargers earned the first overall pick after finishing 4-12, the league's worst record, tied with the Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and New York Giants; among these, the Chargers received priority due to having the weakest strength of schedule.[14] Playoff teams followed in order of elimination round, beginning with wild-card losers, then divisional-round participants, conference championship losers, and ending with the Super Bowl loser (the Carolina Panthers).[13] Ties in records were broken first by strength of schedule, awarding the earlier pick to the team whose opponents had the lowest combined winning percentage (weaker schedule), followed by head-to-head results if needed.[14] This system ensured a structured allocation reflecting recent performance while accounting for competitive balance. In addition to the standard 223 picks across seven rounds (one per team per round, adjusted for prior forfeitures or trades), the NFL awarded 32 compensatory selections to 16 teams based on net free-agent losses from the prior offseason, as calculated under the collective bargaining agreement.[15] These extra picks, distributed in Rounds 3 through 7, aimed to offset disparities in unrestricted free-agent departures; for instance, the Green Bay Packers received one in the seventh round, while the Tennessee Titans were awarded three.[16][17] The total of 255 picks provided opportunities for broader roster building.[15] Trades executed during the draft could modify the initial order by exchanging picks between teams.[13]Pre-Draft Preparation
Eligibility Rules and Top Prospects
To be eligible for the 2004 NFL Draft, players were required to be at least three years removed from their high school graduation, a rule established in the NFL bylaws to ensure prospects had sufficient maturity and development time.[18] Underclassmen meeting this criterion could declare early for the draft, forgoing remaining college eligibility, though this was subject to league approval and often involved legal challenges, as seen in the case of Ohio State's Maurice Clarett, who unsuccessfully petitioned to enter despite not fulfilling the three-year requirement.[19] This eligibility framework aimed to balance player access with team evaluation needs, resulting in a pool of primarily seniors and juniors who had completed at least three seasons of college football.[20] The 2004 draft class was particularly notable for its depth at quarterback, with three elite signal-callers projected as top-10 selections: Eli Manning from Ole Miss, Philip Rivers from NC State, and Ben Roethlisberger from Miami (OH). Manning, standing 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, had a standout senior season in 2003, passing for 3,600 yards and 29 touchdowns while leading Ole Miss to a 10-3 record and an SEC West title, earning him third-place Heisman Trophy voting and consensus All-American honors.[21] Rivers, at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, showcased pinpoint accuracy in 2003 with 4,491 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and just four interceptions on 348-of-483 attempts, finishing seventh in Heisman voting and helping NC State to an 8-5 finish.[22] Roethlisberger, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound pocket passer, dominated the Mid-American Conference in 2003 with 4,486 yards and 38 touchdown passes on 289-of-402 attempts, guiding Miami (OH) to a 13-1 record and earning ninth in Heisman voting as well as MAC Offensive Player of the Year.[23] This quarterback group was widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent draft history, offering teams multiple franchise-caliber options.[24] Wide receivers represented another position of strength, headlined by Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound sophomore who declared early after a record-breaking 2003 campaign of 92 receptions for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns—tops in the NCAA—en route to second-place Heisman voting and unanimous All-American status.[25] Texas' Roy Williams complemented the group with his physicality and speed, while the class also featured versatile talents like Texas' Cedric Benson at running back. In contrast, offensive tackles showed a top-heavy profile with Iowa's Robert Gallery as the consensus elite prospect—a 6-foot-7, 323-pound unanimous All-American who anchored Iowa's line during a 10-3 season—but limited depth beyond him, potentially forcing teams to address the position in later rounds.[26] Pre-draft scouting reports highlighted a projected top 10 blending these standouts with defensive gems, including Miami's Sean Taylor (safety, explosive hitter with 10 interceptions in 2003), Miami's Jonathan Vilma (linebacker, tackling machine with 114 tackles), and Ohio State's Chris Gamble (cornerback, versatile defender).[27][28] Gallery was praised for his rare athleticism, foot quickness, and ability to dominate pass protection in college, positioning him as a potential No. 2 overall pick.[29] Early buzz centered on Manning's reported reluctance to join the San Diego Chargers, who held the No. 1 pick; he expressed concerns about the organization's stability, influenced by discussions with his father Archie and insights from other NFL families, adding intrigue to the proceedings.[30]NFL Combine and Pro Days
The NFL Scouting Combine for the 2004 draft class took place from February 18 to 24 in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving as a centralized evaluation hub for approximately 300 prospects invited by the league.[31] The event featured comprehensive medical examinations to assess injury histories and physical conditions, formal interviews to gauge personality and football intelligence, and on-field workouts including the 40-yard dash, bench press repetitions at 225 pounds, vertical and broad jumps, agility drills, and position-specific exercises.[32] Each of the 32 teams was permitted up to 60 formal 15-minute interviews with prospects, allowing coaches and personnel to probe scheme fit, decision-making, and off-field traits through structured questioning and sometimes whiteboard simulations.[33] Physical testing highlighted athletic traits, with wide receiver Carlos Francis of Texas Tech recording the fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.31 seconds, while defensive tackle Tank Tyler of North Carolina State led the bench press with 42 repetitions.[34][35] Positional drills, such as quarterback throwing sessions and lineman blocking techniques, provided scouts with insights into functional skills; for instance, Miami (OH) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's workout demonstrated exceptional arm strength and velocity on deep throws, boosting his evaluation despite average speed metrics like a 4.75-second 40-yard dash.[36] Medical evaluations flagged potential concerns for some participants, including tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. of Miami (FL), whose prior knee wear from college play drew scrutiny during exams, though he still posted solid results like a 4.62-second 40-yard dash and 24 bench press reps.[37][38] Following the Combine, prospects hosted Pro Days at their college campuses to supplement evaluations, often focusing on drills skipped earlier or private workouts for targeted teams. These events allowed for more personalized assessments, with attendance by scouts and coaches from multiple franchises. For example, Ole Miss quarterback Eli Manning, a top-ranked prospect entering the pre-draft process, conducted a throwing session at the Rebels' Pro Day that drew representatives from several teams interested in his accuracy and poise.[39] Strong Pro Day showings could elevate a prospect's stock, as seen with Roethlisberger's March 25 session at Miami (OH), where his arm talent further impressed evaluators and helped solidify his rise in rankings.[40] Conversely, underwhelming performances or lingering medical questions from the Combine could temper enthusiasm for others.Draft Event
Broadcast and Media Coverage
The 2004 NFL Draft marked a significant expansion in television coverage, with ESPN airing the first day live from noon to 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 24, followed by supplemental late-night coverage on ESPN2 until 10 p.m. ET. The second day, Sunday, April 25, featured ESPN from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET and ESPN2 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET, providing comprehensive live coverage of all seven rounds across both days.[41][2] ESPN's broadcast team was led by host Chris Berman, who anchored the coverage from the studio, while draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. offered in-depth prospect evaluations. Suzy Kolber served as host for the second day's proceedings on ESPN2, with on-site reporters including Chris Mortensen providing updates directly from Madison Square Garden in New York City.[42][43] Viewership for the first round on ESPN averaged approximately 4 million viewers, a 5 percent increase from 2003, while the full draft across both networks drew a cumulative audience exceeding 28 million viewers when accounting for all sessions.[41] Supplemental media included pre-draft analysis and highlights on the newly launched NFL Network, which began offering dedicated NFL programming in 2003. Radio coverage was available through Westwood One's NFL syndication network, featuring play-by-play and commentary on affiliate stations nationwide. International audiences could access the event via NFL's global broadcast partners, including feeds in Europe and Asia.[44] The telecast incorporated innovations such as real-time trade notifications and integrated player video profiles, allowing viewers to see highlight reels and interviews during downtime between selections.[45]First Round Proceedings
The first round of the 2004 NFL Draft began at 12:00 p.m. ET on April 24, 2004, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue stepping to the podium to announce the selections.[2] The event unfolded amid high anticipation, influenced briefly by pre-draft hype surrounding top quarterback prospects, setting expectations for a dramatic opening. The San Diego Chargers opened the proceedings by selecting Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning with the first overall pick, but Manning had previously expressed unwillingness to play for the team, creating immediate tension as he reluctantly donned a Chargers hat and jersey on stage.[46] The New York crowd responded with loud boos, reflecting the local disdain for the selection, while Manning's family, including father Archie who had advised against the Chargers due to concerns over team stability, endured awkward moments in the green room.[47] Following quick selections of offensive tackle Robert Gallery by the Oakland Raiders at No. 2 and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3, the New York Giants used the fourth pick on NC State quarterback Philip Rivers, prompting further deliberation.[1] Shortly thereafter, Tagliabue announced a blockbuster trade: the Giants acquired Manning in exchange for Rivers, a 2004 third-round pick, and 2005 first- and fifth-round picks, resolving the standoff after approximately an hour of behind-the-scenes negotiations involving Archie Manning.[48] The crowd erupted in cheers upon the reveal, transforming the atmosphere from frustration to jubilation, particularly as it benefited the hometown Giants, with similar enthusiasm building for upcoming Jets selections later in the round. Manning's on-stage walk to join the Giants symbolized a family triumph, though the episode highlighted rare player leverage in draft proceedings.[49] The round continued with notable surprises and interruptions, including the Pittsburgh Steelers selecting Miami (OH) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at No. 11, a pick that stunned observers as he had been projected higher amid the quarterback frenzy.[50] A record 28 trades marked the first round, contributing to delays exceeding 30 minutes for several picks as teams haggled over assets and strategies. These pauses heightened the event's tension, with Tagliabue occasionally filling time amid the bustling Madison Square Garden crowd, whose reactions amplified the electric vibe for New York-area teams. The 32 selections wrapped up after about four hours, capping a proceedings filled with emotional highs, strategic maneuvering, and indelible drama.Player Selections
Overall Draft Class Statistics
The 2004 NFL Draft consisted of 255 total selections distributed across seven rounds among the league's 32 teams, including 32 compensatory picks awarded to 16 clubs based on net losses of unrestricted free agents in the previous season.[2] This marked the third draft conducted with the full complement of 32 teams following the Houston Texans' expansion entry and divisional realignment that took effect for the 2002 season. The selection process reflected the league's standard format, with teams varying in their allocation of picks due to trades and compensatory awards, averaging approximately eight picks per team. Positional distributions highlighted the draft's emphasis on certain areas of need, particularly in the secondary and skill positions. Defensive backs led with 48 selections, underscoring a deep class at that position, followed by 32 wide receivers and 28 linebackers. Offensive linemen accounted for 28 picks (including 26 tackles), while defensive linemen totaled 46 across ends and tackles. The draft also featured notable depth at quarterback, with 17 signal-callers selected overall, including seven in the first three rounds—a figure that exceeded recent years and contributed to the class's reputation for QB talent.[51] Ohio State set a draft record with 14 players selected, while the University of Miami contributed six players, all in the first round. Team pick totals varied significantly, influenced by trades and compensatory allocations. The Philadelphia Eagles received the most with 12 selections, bolstered by four compensatory picks, while the San Diego Chargers had 10 and the Tennessee Titans 13—the highest of any team. Other clubs, such as the New York Jets and St. Louis Rams, also benefited from multiple compensatory awards, leading to imbalances in draft capital that affected roster-building strategies across the league.[5][52] In terms of diversity, approximately 41 underclassmen declared early eligibility for the draft, forgoing remaining college seasons to enter the professional ranks—a number that could have reached 50 pending a related court ruling on junior eligibility rules. No international players were selected, as formal NFL programs for scouting and developing talent from outside the United States, such as the International Player Pathway, did not begin until later in the decade.[53][54]| Position | Number Selected |
|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | 17 |
| Wide Receivers | 32 |
| Linebackers | 28 |
| Defensive Backs | 48 |
| Offensive Linemen | 28 |
| Running Backs | 14 |
| Tight Ends | 16 |
| Defensive Linemen | 46 |
| Special Teams (K/P) | 3 |