The Los Angeles Chargers have a lot of money to spend and draft capital to use, which is good because they also have a ton of team needs to address. Most mock drafters are slotting in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland for the Chargers draft spot at No. 22. Others have them going after a big outside receiver like Tetairoa McMillan, but they also have needs at edge rusher, offensive line, defensive line, cornerback, running back and linebacker.
None of this is lost on Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz. He was asked about the team’s draft strategy at the NFL Combine on Tuesday morning. Los Angeles Times reporter Thuc Nhi Nguyen posted his response via social media,
Los Angeles Chargers GM: I Don’t See Any Position As Solidified
“Joe Hortiz when asked about whether he feels the Chargers offensive line, with three first-round picks, is solidified: “I don’t see any position as solidified. … except quarterback.” Adds the team will “take the best player available.””
The Chargers bucked the prevailing winds last season when they took offensive tackle Joe Alt at No. 5, when most anticipated they would take wide receivers Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze or tight end Brock Bowers.
Given the state of the interior of the offensive line, could this trend continue?
Speaking of trends, they took the same approach to the 2024 draft, which proved to be fortuitous landing both Alt and Ladd McConkey. Both had a phenomenal rookie season.
Furthermore, Ortiz’s stance puts all players on the market, other than Justin Herbert. This opens the door to choosing a cheaper option than Rashawn Slater at tackle, replacing Derwin James with perhaps Nick Emmanwori out of South Carolina.
While those moves are far from likely, this best-player-available approach worked well for the franchise last year, not only early on but in later rounds as well — picking up cornerbacks Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still in the fifth round.
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