Los Angeles Chargers’ General Manager Joe Hortiz Takes Disciplined Approach in NFL Draft

In his first NFL draft as the Los Angeles Chargers’ general manager, Joe Hortiz made sure to address the team’s needs without reaching, taking a collaborative approach with scouts, new coach Jim Harbaugh, and his staff.

Harbaugh praised Hortiz as one of the best evaluators in the league, emphasizing his dedication to the craft year-round. The Chargers wasted no time in bolstering their offensive line by selecting Notre Dame’s Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick, adding to their first-round lineman selections in recent years.

The Chargers also focused on improving their receiving corps, moving up in the second round to draft Georgia’s Ladd McConkey, known for his route-running skills. They further added depth at receiver by selecting Southern California’s Brenden Rice and Michigan’s Cornelius Johnson in the later rounds.

On the defensive side, the Chargers addressed needs in the defensive line and secondary with their early picks on Saturday. Alabama’s Justin Eboigbe, Maryland’s Tarheeb Still, and Notre Dame’s Cam Hart were among the defensive additions.

One of the standout moments of the draft was the emotional call to Brenden Rice, who received the news while attending the funeral of his best friend. Despite the difficult circumstances, Rice expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.

Another notable pick was fourth-round selection Justin Eboigbe, who impressed despite missing most of the previous season due to injury. With a strong work ethic and pass-rushing skills, Eboigbe is seen as a potential sleeper pick for the Chargers.

Overall, Hortiz and the Chargers’ staff expressed satisfaction with their draft selections, emphasizing the collaborative effort that went into building a stronger team for the upcoming season. With a mix of offensive and defensive additions, the Chargers are poised to make an impact in the league.