Manning's father favors N.Y.

Archie Manning doesn't want his son, Eli, stuck on a bad team.
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Archie Manning apparently doesn't want his son to be stuck with a bad NFL team the way he was.
San Diego general manager A.J. Smith said Wednesday night that Eli Manning's agent, Tom Condon, called to say Archie wished the Chargers would not select the top quarterback prospect with the first pick in Saturday's draft.
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, who might think there would be more endorsement opportunities in New York than San Diego, 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 selection. In recent days, there were rumors Condon was trying to swing a trade between the Giants and Chargers.
The Chargers have missed the playoffs for the last eight seasons and are 43-85 since making their last postseason appearance, in 1995.
Smith said the elder Manning was in San Diego on business on Tuesday 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, for most of his career. Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts also is Archie's son and was the first overall pick in the 1998 draft. At the time, the Colts were a struggling franchise, too.
Connections
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. He also represents coach Marty Schottenheimer and quarterback Drew Brees.
Then again, it's not a sure deal the Chargers would take Manning.
After all, this is the franchise that passed on a chance to take Michael Vick at the top of the 2001 draft. And the one that was stuck with Ryan Leaf and his many troubles after the Colts took Peyton Manning with the top pick in 1998.
The Chargers have a number of options, and they're not showing their hand.
Asked Wednesday if the Chargers have a top guy in mind, Smith said: "That's still to be discussed. We have a few people in mind. A few real good players."
The Chargers finished their player assessments Wednesday, then put together their draft board.
"I enjoy the next two days because then we turn around and look at the board and think about who they are and what we want," Smith said. "There's plenty of time to decide."
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