History shows what Chicago Bears could get for No. 1 pick

Chargers get high-caliber starters with two trade-downs in 4 seasons

The trade for the first overall selection in 2004 comes with a little bit of a caveat, as the Chargers originally drafted quarterback Eli Manning, who was then traded to the Giants after refusing to play in San Diego.

The Chargers and the Giants, who both needed quarterbacks in the 2004 offseason, ended up essentially swapping Eli Manning for Philip Rivers, the fourth overall pick. However, the Chargers received three picks back in this deal, which turned into kicker Nate Kaeding and linebacker Shawn Merriman.

This is certainly an odd situation, as the Chargers had little to no leverage as Manning was very public about refusing to go to the Chargers, but nonetheless, San Diego essentially turned Manning into Phillip Rivers and Merriman, who not only won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2005 but was selected to three All-Pro teams.

The first time the number one overall pick was traded in the 21st century, the Atlanta Falcons did not give up a lot to move up four spots. With the first overall pick, the Falcons selected Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Vick, an all-time Atlanta great, but this trade worked out for both teams when looking at who the Chargers ended up with.

After moving back four spots, the Chargers added TCU running back LaDainian Tomlinson, cornerback Tay Cody, and wide receiver Reche Caldwell the following year.

Considering the fact that Atlanta not only traded up to the first overall pick, but also did so to select a quarterback, it is surprising how little the Chargers received in return, but this just goes to show how much more common and valued draft-day trades are in today’s NFL, especially compared to the haul the Rams received in 2016.