The Chargers have made little to no effort in signing a free agent quarterback and after re-signing Flutie, it appears as if Schottenheimer and company are content with the quarterback situation as it stands right now. A trade down and acquiring any respectable linemen on either side of the ball would be a more pressing need for the Chargers at this time and makes sense.
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The New York Giants, known to covet Mississippi quarterback Eli Manning, have spoken with the San Diego Chargers about obtaining the first pick in the NFL draft on April 24.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith confirmed he got a call from Giants GM Ernie Accorsi on Tuesday.
``They would like to move from four to one,'' Smith said on Wednesday.
Smith wouldn't discuss specifics.
``Anything we discuss is football business between the two of us,'' Smith said.
San Diego was 4-12 last year, the same record as Oakland, Arizona and the Giants. But the Chargers got the No. 1 draft pick based on strength of schedule.
The Chargers worked out Manning and the other two highly regarded quarterbacks in the draft, Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers.
But trading down and acquiring additional picks would allow San Diego to address its many other needs. The Chargers don't have a left tackle or a standout wide receiver or defensive end.
The Chargers also had the No. 1 pick four years ago and traded it to Atlanta the day before the draft. Atlanta got Michael Vick, while San Diego took LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 5. The Chargers also got receiver-returner Tim Dwight and two other picks.
Also Wednesday, Pittsburgh's Larry Fitzgerald, one of the top receivers in the draft, visited the Chargers.
``This was kind of like a recruiting visit today,'' said Fitzgerald, who met with coach Marty Schottenheimer and receivers coach James Lofton. ``It's fun. I got to out and have lunch with coach Lofton, somebody I looked up to as a child.''
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Comments (1)
I've written frequently on ... (Below threshold)1. Posted by NY Giants fan | April 20, 2004 11:31 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I've written frequently on my blog that trading up for a QB is not always a good thing. Sure the Falcons got Vick, but the Chargers got Tomlinson at #5, and he's the heart of their offense. Then the Chargers Got Ryan Leaf - big disaster. Then there's the issue of QBs who win superbowls. Most are not 1st round draft picks, possibly because with a late round choice you can still afford to build a team. With a #1 guy like Peyton Manning, you end up paying him so much you can't afford all the other parts you need...
1. Posted by NY Giants fan | April 20, 2004 11:31 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on April 20, 2004 11:31