Part 4/7:
Despite knowing Eli did not wish to play for them, the Chargers opted to proceed with drafting him unless a suitable trade offer emerged. As the draft day neared, it became increasingly evident that Eli would be the number one overall pick, but several teams were still in the running. The New York Giants held the fourth overall pick and were enamored with Manning, although they thought securing a trade for him was a long shot.
On the eve of the draft, the Giants informed another talented quarterback in the running, Ben Roethlisberger, that they were planning to select him, while simultaneously hoping a trade could materialize that would allow them to grab Manning.