23 Apr 2004 14:05 UTC
The San Diego Chargers have the first overall pick in the draft, and have expressed interest in selecting University of Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning.
Several teams have expressed interest in working out a deal with San Diego to obtain the No. 1 pick. Earlier this month, the New York Giants, who have the fourth overall pick, discussed a possible deal with San Diego for the top slot. The Giants have expressed interest in drafting Manning.
The Cleveland Browns have also expressed interest in a deal, although the team is looking to draft University of Iowa offensive lineman Robert Gallery if it obtains the No. 1 pick. Cleveland is currently slated to draft seventh overall.
Draft experts say the Manning situation has parallels to a similar incident in 1983, when the then-Baltimore Colts drafted quarterback John Elway first overall. Elway refused to play for the Colts, and the team traded his rights to the Denver Broncos, where he spent his entire 16-year career.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
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The big question heading into Saturday's National Football League college draft is not who will be the No. 1 pick, but who will draft him.
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But Manning's family and agent have told team officials that the quarterback does not want to be picked by San Diego. Manning's agent says he does not think San Diego would be a good fit for the quarterback, who is the younger brother of current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
