2004 NFL Draft: Five Years Later

Every year, you hear the day after the draft who were the winners and who were the losers.

It is widely believed that you can not fairly judge a draft class until they have had five years in the league.

Five years ago, the 2004 draft was much debated.

Who would the Chargers take with the first pick?  What would happen to Eli Manning?

Five years later, who won, and who lost?

1 - Eli Manning.  Everyone was somewhat shocked with the selection of Eli Manning by the Chargers.  There was no question, as the brother of superstar Peyton, was the top prospect entering the draft this year.

The big question was, Eli had told the Chargers brass that he would not play in San Diego.

2 - Robert Gallery. Most draft experts believed Gallery would be the cornerstone LT for the Raiders for years to come.  Since, he has been moved to Guard and did not live up to expectations.

Loss for the Raiders.

3 - Larry Fitzgerald.  Arizona took what ended up being a wonderful pick.  Fitzgerald is on his way to becoming one of the best in the game.

Win for the Cardinals.

4 - Phillip Rivers.  Most people expected Ben Roethlisberger to be picked by the Giants.  Rivers was not even in New York for the draft.  They had to go to video from Rivers house, because everyone expected him to be selected by Pittsburgh at #11.

Shortly after the selection, Rivers was traded to San Diego for Eli Manning and another pick.

Win for the Giants.

Win for the Chargers.

5 - Sean Taylor.  This was an excellent pick until his un-timely death.  Taylor was an amazing Safety, and could have been a future Hall of Famer.

Loss for the NFL.

6 - Kellen Winslow, Jr. - Cleveland thought they had the steal of the draft selecting Winslow. Due to stupidity on his part, a motorcycle crash from showboating, Winslow never lived up to the hype.

Winslow was traded to Tampa Bay this year for a second round pick.

Loss for the Browns.

7 - Roy Williams.  Williams was one of three receivers selected in three years.  He is one of two that are no longer there.

He was traded to the Cowboys last year for a first round pick (20 overall, 2009 draft)

Loss for the Lions.

8 - DeAngelo Hall.  Selected by the Falcons, he was part of a purge last year, and is no longer with the team.

Signed a big money deal with the Raiders and cut after 8 games.  Has since signed with the Redskins.

Loss for the Falcons.

9 - Reggie Williams.  No longer with the Jaguars.  Never became the threat that Jack Del Rio had hoped.

Loss for the Jaguars.

10 - Dunta Robinson.  Playing very well right now.  Just received the Franchise tag.

Win for the Texans.

11 - Ben Roethlisberger.  The original intent for the Steelers was to draft Phillip Rivers.  With Rivers being drafted by the Giants, Ben falls to the Steelers.

Ben has won two Super Bowls in his first five seasons.

Win for the Steelers.

12 - Jonathan Vilma.  Never played well in the 3-4 defense the Jets employ.  Was traded for a second round pick to the Saints.

Loss for the Jets.

13 - Lee Evans.  Many people thought the Bills would trade up to get Ben Roethlisberger.  They didn't and instead drafted Lee Evans.

Evans has become a dependable WR for the Bills.  With the drafting of Trent Edwards in a few years, this is his key weapon.

Win for the Bills.

14 - Tommy Harris.  Still the anchor of a good defensive line.

Win for the Bears.

15 - Michael Clayton.  Tall athletic receiver who had a great rookie season.  Unfortunately for the Bucs, that was his best year.

Loss for the Buccaneers

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