Chargers future riding on No. 1 pick

The Chargers are in the position to steer their ship back on course and overcome the Ryan Leaf debacle.

Updated: March 26, 2004, 3:08 PM ET
By By Darrell Trimble | NFL Insider
Perhaps no other draft pick in NFL history has been as infamous as Ryan Leaf, who was the second overall selection in the 1998 draft. The San Diego Chargers chose Leaf after the Colts took Peyton Manning, and the error has been a costly one to say the least.

From 1992-97, the Chargers went 51-45 andmade their only three playoff appearances in the last 20 years. But Leaf's signing helped send San Diego on a downward spiral and the team hasn't had a winning season since.

Now the franchise finds itself in a position to steer its ship back on course if they make the right choice with the top pick in this April's draft. Most see that choice as being Ole Miss' Eli Manning, but the Chargers could be looking to get out of the catbird's seat by trading the top pick.


To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM

ALSO SEE