QUARTERBACK CLASS OF 2004 PROVES METTLE

In the 2004 NFL draft, quarterbacks were the hot topic of discussion in the first round. Ole Miss Quarterback Eli Manning was the first player taken in the draft, first by San Diego and then traded to the New York Giants. The Giants selected Phillip Rivers from North Carolina State with the third pick and dealt him to the Chargers. With the 11th pick in the first round, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ben Roethlisberger out of Miami (O).

All three players have proven to be worthy of their high selection. Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a Super Bowl win over Seattle in his second season. Rivers has taken the Chargers to the playoffs the last two years and to the AFC title game this year. Manning has the Giants in the Super Bowl this season.

If the draft was repeated, how would you select these guys? Would you now take Roethlisberger number one? I wouldn’t. Here’s how I would rate them and draft them if it were to be done again:

1. Manning – I would still take Eli number one. I love his future. He is not as vocal as his older brother, Peyton. He doesn’t have as much endorsement appeal. But he may be a better athlete He’s more mobile than Peyton. And don’t underestimate his toughness. New York is a tough market for any quarterback to deal with, especially a first pick in the draft. There have been some ups and downs, and there will continue to be some. But Eli is starting to handle the pressure well.

2. Rivers – He did not play as quickly as the other two. The Chargers had Drew Brees so Rivers could sit, watch and learn. But now that he’s in the line-up he is proving to be a fierce competitor. His leadership led San Diego to a road win in Indy. He played the AFC title game with a torn ACL. If he gets healthy he’s just starting to scratch the surface of his potential.

3. Roethlisberger – I know he has won a Super Bowl and he’s had an incredible start to his career. And he should continue to have an outstanding career. He did have the luxury of being selected by a team of veterans that was already solid. As good as he’s been, he doesn’t have the potential of Manning and Rivers. The 2004 draft got it right. And every team should be satisfied with their selection.

Frank Giardina