EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — After another disappointing playoff loss for the Los Angeles Chargers, the team is looking to turn things around with second-year general manager Joe Hortiz. With the NFL Draft just a week away, the Chargers are more focused than ever as Hortiz prepares to add new talent through the draft.
Hortiz believes that if the season started today, he would be confident and proud of the work they have accomplished over the last month. If they had a game tomorrow, they would be prepared.
"I feel like we could go out and play a game tomorrow and be damn good in that game," Hortiz said.
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Los Angeles Chargers assistant general manager Chad Alexander (left) and general manager Joe Hortiz at press conference at The Bolt.
Hearing Hortiz speak about the excitement surrounding the draft, it's clear that he feels no pressure due to the moves during free agency. He discussed his collaboration with his assistant general manager, Chad Alexander, as they consult each other on potential moves and strategies. Alexander advised Hortiz to "let the board come to us" as they prepare to draft at No. 22.
"You've got to make smart decisions, calculated decisions, and try to build your roster as deep as you can going into the draft so you can sit there and let the draft come to you and pick the best player available," Hortiz said. "I think we were able to accomplish that."
During the pre-draft press conference on Thursday at the Chargers' facility, Hortiz indicated a willingness to trade back in the draft. He believes his team does not have significant weaknesses, as they addressed many needs through free agency. Hortiz acknowledged that the Chargers were in discussions with the Seattle Seahawks about D.K. Metcalf and with the Los Angeles Rams regarding Cooper Kupp, but ultimately missed out on both players.
“We made competitive plays towards a lot of players, not just receivers,” Hortiz said. “Make no mistake about it, we attacked free agency, end of 53 cuts, we are going to be aggressive as we can, sometimes it is going to pan out, and sometimes it doesn't.”
One fan-favorite move that he didn't make to improve the wide receiving corps was the signing of Mike Williams. Back in 2017, Williams was the seventh overall pick in the draft. He was released last offseason and later signed with the New York Jets, but struggled to find his rhythm due to clashes with Aaron Rodgers. In November, the Jets traded Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ultimately, he was ready for a reunion a year later under Jim Harbaugh.
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Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz at press conference at The Bolt.
The Chargers made several significant signings, including running back Najee Harris, center Andre James, and defensive tackle Da'Shawn Hand. They also extended the contracts of key players such as Khalil Mack, whom they had been considering trading away. They also re-signed Troy Dye and Denzel Perryman. In a surprising move, the Chargers released fan favorite Joey Bosa, but it didn’t take long for another team to scoop him up; the Buffalo Bills promptly signed the veteran.
"You look at what we did, we were able to address a lot of different positions," Hortiz continued. "Sometimes it takes some patience out of the gate, and I think that's the way to play it.”
The Chargers have a total of 10 draft picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including selections in all seven rounds. This total features two compensatory picks in the sixth round and one in the seventh round. The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 24, in Green Bay.
Hortiz feels well-prepared for the upcoming draft, although there are specific positions the Chargers would like to strengthen. However, he doesn't view these upgrades as essential, as he remains confident in the team's current moves. Hortiz prefers not to be pressured into making decisions based solely on positional needs; instead, he aims to select the best player available.
“Not really,” Hortiz said. “I don’t really look at it that way,”
Last year's draft produced impressive results, particularly with the selection of Joe Alt as the fifth overall pick and Ladd McConkey in the second round. As he enters his second year as General Manager, Hortiz is assessing all positions, aware that this year's draft is considered one of the deepest classes in recent history.
"D-line and running back, and I'd say tight end, corner. There are a lot of corners up there on the board that we like. Those are probably the four that stand out," Hortiz said.
