2004 NFL draft

The draft was held from April 24–25, 2004, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Due to his refusal to play for the Chargers, Manning was later traded to the New York Giants for the fourth overall pick Philip Rivers of NC State.

The University of Miami set an NFL record for the most first rounders drafted with six, which would be tied by Alabama in 2021.

Ohio State set an NFL draft record having 14 total players selected through all rounds.

It was the first draft to have produced two quarterbacks who each won multiple Super Bowls, with Ben Roethlisberger winning his second in 2008 and Eli Manning his second in 2011.

Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is second in NFL receiving yards and receptions
Murdered during his fourth season, safety Sean Taylor nonetheless established himself as a dominant and popular player
In a 13-season career, nose tackle Vince Wilfork made five Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls
Running back Steven Jackson is the Rams ' all-time leading rusher
Chris Cooley has the most receptions of a tight end in Washington history
Defensive end Jared Allen twice led the league in sacks
Wide receiver Wes Welker was not drafted but was named to five Pro Bowls .