It sparked serious debate in 2004 and is still an argument carried on by NFL fans today. 

Did the New York Giants make the right decision moving up to trade with the San Diego Chargers for the rights to Eli Manning? 

Would Philip Rivers have been the better option?  What about Ben Roethlisberger?

Let's revisit this famous draft-day deal with Eli on the cusp of another Super Bowl appearance.

First, the details of the trade:

• Chargers traded Manning—the No. 1 overall pick to the Giants.  In exchange, San Diego received the following from New York: Philip Rivers, the Giants' third round pick in 2004 along with their first and fifth round selections in the 2005 draft. 

San Diego selected the following players with the additional draft picks they acquired in the deal: 

• 2004 third round pick: Kicker Nate Kaeding 
• 2005 first round pick: Outside linebacker Shawne Merriman 
• 2005 fifth round pick: Traded to Tampa Bay who traded pick to St. Louis Rams

In that legendary 2004 draft, after swapping the No. 1 and No. 4 overall picks, (Manning and Rivers) Roethlisberger was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

All three signal-callers have pieced together fantastic careers with varying degrees of success. Here are some comparative tidbits: 

Manning has played the most games (121), Big Ben has played in 114 contests and Rivers has played an even 100. 

The Giants' signal-caller has the most career passing yards (27,579) and the most touchdown passes (185).  However, Manning has the most interceptions (129); Rivers has thrown the least with 79.

Rivers has the highest QB rating (95.5) and Manning has the lowest (82.1).  Pittsburgh's quarterback's career rating is 92.1.

By looking at the stats, none of the quarterbacks have necessarily distanced themselves from their draft class counterparts, although surprisingly, Manning seems to be the biggest gunslinger.

Roethlisberger and Rivers have led their respective teams to four division titles, and the Giants have won three NFC East titles with Manning at the helm.  

Manning has a 6-3 record in the playoffs and has won four of those games on the road.  Rivers is 3-4 as a postseason quarterback, and is 1-2 on the road. 

But Roethlisberger has been the best of them all, compiling a 10-4 record with three road victories.

As we all know, Big Ben has won two Super Bowl rings, Manning has one and Rivers is ringless.  

Thoughts 

While Manning's Giants play under extreme pressure and face an unrelenting New York City media every week, they've done relatively well, bouncing back from disappointing stretches and lackluster seasons.

Although the Steelers are renowned for their traditionally dominant defense, Roethlisberger has been the foundation of the team's success during the last eight years.

He's battled through injuries, led run-heavy offenses, pass-happy offenses, orchestrated comebacks, won as a favorite and everything in between. 

Rivers puts up flashy numbers and has been a part of some dominating clubs.  But, for the most part, his career has been marred by underachievement and inability to live up to his potential.

While some of that falls on his teammates, coaches and front office members, Rivers has been on the cusp of greatness many times, but has never taken the next step.

The Chargers got a dynamic pass-rusher in Merriman and a reliable kicker in Kaeding as compensation for Manning, but Merriman's desire to be a celebrity, and performance-enhancing drug use, hindered any sustained success in San Diego, or anywhere in the NFL. 

Conclusion 

Based on his style of play, leadership and what he's done in the Steel City, Roethlisberger could have certainly been productive in New York as a member of the Giants. 

Rivers would have been far from ideal.  Underwhelming starts and stunning home playoff defeats as well as his somewhat arrogant demeanor would not have gone over well, especially in the Big Apple.

Manning's the perfect fit.  He's handled the media attention, the criticism and, most importantly, the success with class and dignity. 

He's taken blame when deserving and spread out credit evenly in triumph. 

Waiting for Rivers or Big Ben wasn't the right choice for the G-Men.  All three signal-callers are great, but nearly eight years removed, the New York Giants can be labeled as the winners from that memorable deal on draft day. 

Ask any New Yorker, they'll tell you.

Follow @ChrisTrapasso