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Eli Manning is expected to be the first player chosen in the NFL Draft. The Chargers have the top pick.
Archie Manning doesn't want his son, top quarterback prospect Eli, to be taken by the San Diego Chargers with the first pick of the NFL Draft.
General manager A.J. Smith said Wednesday night that Eli Manning's agent, Tom Condon, relayed Archie Manning's concerns during a phone call.
Condon also said Archie Manning feels the New York Giants would be a better fit for his son, Smith said.
"We understand, but we'll do what's in the best interests of the San Diego Chargers," Smith said.
Condon has not returned phone calls for several days.
The Giants, who have the fourth pick, are one of three teams who have talked to the Chargers about trading for the No. 1 pick.
Archie Manning visited the Chargers on Tuesday, but Smith said he did not express concerns about the franchise, which has missed the playoffs for the last eight seasons. The Chargers are 43-85 since making their last postseason appearance, in 1995.
Smith said the elder Manning was in town on business and stopped by to visit because he was unable to attend a private workout the team had with Eli Manning in New Orleans a few weeks ago.
Archie Manning was an outstanding player stuck on a dismal team, the New Orleans Saints. Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts is also Archie's son and was the first overall pick in 1998. At the time, the Colts were a struggling franchise, too.
Condon also represents Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who as a rookie in 2001 missed all but five days of training camp during a contract holdout.
Source: AP