Chargers GM Joe Hortiz - Discussion

[sonorajim]

I have eyes Dmac. I can see what they have done.

Improving FB and replacing Dissly with the 6th best blocking TE does not negate the need for decent guards

Like Popper I am just calling what I see at this point. It is underwhelming. That may change, and then like Popper, I will comment on that...and if warranted commend them like I did on the Biadasz, Ingold and Kolar signings.

It is only 5 days but 90% of reasonable quality OL are gone, off the board.

As for Pipkins, its ok, he is a solid swing tackle...when he is not playing hurt..."excels" would be a bit strong

I am ready to see what happens between now and the season...just thought it was relevent to share what our best beat writer has observed

"Decent guards" are well coached young men who have the necessary physical tools. The coaching was not in effect last year. Likewise the on-field director of OL operations. C Biadasz is a huge step up from Bozeman and of course McDaniel and Barry over Roman and Devlin.
We're better today and I expect further improvement in the draft and beyond.
Team blocking was a struggling mess on most plays. We do need an injection of talent I suppose, but expect teamwork to take a major leap in 2026.

[CanadianBoltFan]

If we don't get Loane or Fano, Freeling, Caleb Lomu, Pregnon, or maybe Proctor... the next targets should be Bisontis or Rutledge, maybe Brian Parker or Slaughter. I would be perfectly fine if we drafted Rutledge in the 2nd round, which would allow us to draft a top DE or DT or CB in the first.

I don't see any other Olineman from the above that really fit our system. It all depends on how our scouts have rated these Olineman. I'm pretty sure if we drafted someone like Proctor Hortiz would argue he has all the athletic ability in the world to be our starting OG. We'll see.

Rutledge is generally perceived as a 3rd round pick. 55 is pretty high...but this is the example of a reach when you have left yourself desperate in a position going into the draft.

Bisontis would be perfect but 22 is too early to pass upa better BPA on defense and I doubt he is there at 55, he likely goes in the 40s

The above are the reasons leaving a major need to the draft is dicey. You are counting on the draft to fall your way.

[ThorsHammer]

I concur with this generally, way too much complaining about Hortiz's PERCEIVED failure to address the biggest issue. The Kolar and Mitchell signings have the potential to be the biggest positive impact signings for $ value when the games are played next season. It is interesting that Hortiz seems intent on raiding the Ravens' roster. But Hortiz did address OC with his very first signing. He also replaced one OG with the Strange signing. He may not be done yet. He may be targeting a player who he believes is a cut candidate.

As for trading down, there has to be a team that is willing to surrender good value in picks to make that happen, we don't know if there will be such a team. Remember Hortiz was soliciting trade offers for #22 last year, he didn't like what was being offered, he liked the player (Hampton) better. The best chance for the Chargers to trade #22 is if a team like the Jets, Cardinals or Browns, who've already picked in the top 10, are targeting Alabama QB Ty Simpson and offer 2nd & 3rd rnd picks for #22. I've heard some pundits opine that Simpson is better than Mendoza, he's the only other franchise-caliber QB candidate in this draft after Mendoza.

It does seem like there is a plethora of good IOL value on day 2 of this draft, I count 8-10 IOL who are rnd 2-3 worthy, it would be great to have a couple extra day 2 picks.

In 2020 Tom Telesco did trade the Chargers 2nd (#37) and 3rd (#71) rnd picks to the Patriots to get back into the 1st to take Kenneth Murray at #23. Maybe Hortiz finds a GM who will execute a Telescoesque trade for #22 in this draft. I wouldn't count on it though.

We can only hope... That would be amazing to pull off something like that.

[beachcomber]

Rutledge is generally perceived as a 3rd round pick. 55 is pretty high...but this is the example of a reach when you have left yourself desperate in a position going into the draft.

Bisontis would be perfect but 22 is too early to pass upa better BPA on defense and I doubt he is there at 55, he likely goes in the 40s

The above are the reasons leaving a major need to the draft is dicey. You are counting on the draft to fall your way.

ESPN has Rutledge @57

[BayAreaBoltz]

I concur with this generally, way too much complaining about Hortiz's PERCEIVED failure to address the biggest issue. .

I feel differently.

I actually I feel like there's way too much complaining about the complaining and not enough about Hortiz's OL-improvement strategy.

[dmac_bolt]

I disagree a little about Popper. He is never afraid to write very positive things about the Chargers when warranted....about Hortiz and Harbaugh as well. He was really positive about Biadasz, thought it was a very smart move in all ways. He thought Kolar is a great signing and important piece. But he is a journalist not a cheerleader. He is going to call what he sees,

The Athletic must like Popper's work because they are now giving him national assignments and articles.

I do recognize the upgrade in Ingold, I was stoked about that signing. Kolar too. I recognize both will help the run game and protection. But when we are talking about a solid offensive line with depth to deal with the inevitable injuries, when we are talking about solid guard play...I am hearing a little too much on this board about the FB and TE being the answer to the offensive line. While having a good blocking TE and FB will no doubt help the offense, they do not play guard. These are 2 different things.

Maybe Teller signs today and they draft IOL in first 3 rounds and the narrative changes. My bet is Teller to the Giants though

lol, I know you’re talking about OL. You’ve been pretty clear, cogent, articulate, very well expressed on the topic this week. You left no doubt. I have never said the FB and TE are the answer to the OL. I wanted more OL FA help. I merely said the TE and FB are improvements to the offense. Because while we watched the OL flail last year, our TEs and FB were also flailing and flopping around right there with them and a lot of plays blew up because Matlock, Fisk or Diss didn’t do their jobs too.

I like most of Popper’s work, he’s been a good LAC beat reporter and like every good team reporter, has aspirations of grander canvasses and stages. He should - he’s young and ambition is one of the great drivers of societal growth and improvement. That doesn’t mean he’s always right nor does it mean I need to like all of it. Appeals to the authority and credentials of The Athletic don’t impress me. The Athletic is owned by the NY Times, we don’t need to start about the journalistic impartiality of that company.

He both stated some facts and he stated some personal opinions about the facts. I thought his opinions were a tad pointed. He’s free to write opinions but journalists write facts. Save me the journalist banner, they have the same biases, prejudices, opinions and motivations of the common man and their profession long ago stopped enforcing or rewarding strict journalistic standards that once ensured a clear delineation between facts and opinions. Journalism as a profession has earned its dramatic reduction in respect and influence as they devolved into “credentialed” advocacy groups. I don’t think he’s an advocate for anything in particular, like pro or anti LAC, but in sports journalism many guys make ad*****ment by switching from facts to opinions.

Maybe Teller signs tomorrow? Still no news out of Houston, so its still game on I guess?

[dmac_bolt]

I feel differently.

I actually I feel like there's way too much complaining about the complaining and not enough about Hortiz's OL-improvement strategy.

lol I think there is plenty of complaining about Hortiz’ OL improvements or lack thereof. It has dominated TPB all week. I don’t even disagree, I’m just waiting to see what the end result is going to be so I know what I’m complaining about.

[northerner]

The second guessing is what's baffling to me. The root cause of our issues was injuries to the O line and having the worst center in the NFL. They are loading up. I see good to almost excellent moves so far. I have nothing but kudos for Hortiz at this point. With only 5 picks in the draft we could see a trade down to get more draft picks. I see a couple of O linemen and D linemen in the draft. Free agency can murder cap space with reaches. Preserving some money for next year and getting players under contract already on the team is paramount. I think they are being cautious not to overspend. I am ok with that. There wasn't a WR I felt were worthy of a signing. Same with O line free agents. Just meh.

It's freaking March. Some are stressing and bitching in March is just so strange to me.

Oh if ya'll want the CHEAPEST chargers jersey/shirt EVER it's on sale for $7 bucks

https://www.nflshop.com/los-angeles-...D:i-r6c1:po-19

image.png

If Hortiz had picked up one more above average Guard and/or an EDGE to replace Oweh, I would be stoked.

I think the RB and other pieces he signed are great. However, we have had o-line nightmares for multiple years now. Herbert is rapidly approaching the back half of his prime (just turned 28).

year 1 Hortiz - walked into a cap nightmare, did great with what he had to work with.
year 2 Hortiz - injuries and Becton sucking ass ruined what was supposed to be a good o-line.

year 3 Hortiz - overspend if needed, but fix the fucking o-line.

if we had re-signed Zion and Oweh, i could understand that the money dried up, but those 2 guys left.

I am not getting out the pitchforks and forming a mob, but I expected more this week for the o-line (and was hopeful for EDGE).

at this point, IN MY OPINION, we will need to get lucky to really improve the o-line from where it is today (Vega falls to us, etc.). the chance to buy our luck was this week.

[beachcomber]

not that it matters, and.... were you against drafting Donovan Jackson ??

were you for signing Becton ?? and also in favor of signing Teller or one of the other guards this go 'round w/injury or other considerations ??

were you in favor of jettisoning Zion ?? were you good w/bringing in James to hedge Boze ??

did you have any interest in Jared Wilson ??

are you willing to spend a first on a guard ?? your second on a center ?? what about your WR, your ED.... TE, SAF or.... ?? !!

nobody nails FA en todo.... nobody wholly nails the draft.... we woulda been pretty darn good without the major injuries that we suffered.

mistakes have been made, and.... we are still trending upward.

[northerner]

not that it matters, and.... were you against drafting Donovan Jackson ??

were you for signing Becton ?? and also in favor of signing Teller or one of the other guards this go 'round w/injury or other considerations ??

were you in favor of jettisoning Zion ?? were you good w/bringing in James to hedge Boze ??

did you have any interest in Jared Wilson ??

are you willing to spend a first on a guard ?? your second on a center ?? what about your WR, your ED.... TE, SAF or.... ?? !!

nobody nails FA en todo.... nobody wholly nails the draft.... we woulda been pretty darn good without the major injuries that we suffered.

mistakes have been made, and.... we are still trending upward.

I don't me a "pick me up" or a hundred questions - this is the week where you can force your destiny, and the o-line is still a question mark. it is disappointing, but there is still the rest of the offseason to make moves (in the draft, post-draft, etc., but u need some luck).

[beachcomber]

I don't me a "pick me up" or a hundred questions - this is the week where you can force your destiny, and the o-line is still a question mark. it is disappointing, but there is still the rest of the offseason to make moves (in the draft, post-draft, etc., but u need some luck).

JH2 have obviously put their eggs in the McD/Butch Barry basket and have decided to let the chips fall where they may, and accordingly so....

personal suspicion is that Biadasz could be a Pro Bowler, that Penning could be a top 15 guard, and Strange a top 20 contributor there as well ??

if we get a guard and a center outta the draft.... even better.

personally am all about a SB run, and prefer the vets penciled in ahead of the rooks.

am also just as concerned 'bout the IDL, an MLB Denzel hedge, another pass catching TE, a Najee replacement, backup QB, bringing Keenan back, another swing tackle, and someone to spell Odafe.

[DerwinBosa]

ESPN has Rutledge @57

We don't know how any of these players are graded by Harbaugh and Hortiz. Saying any guard is a reach in the second round or whatever just because the Mel Kipers or Trevor Sikkemas of the draft season view it that way is silly. While Cole Strange being a reach in the first round has been brought up multiple times since Hortiz signed him, Belichick also supposedly reached for Logan Mankins in the first round in 2005. Most "experts" considered him a third-rounder, and he went on to make All-Pro six times in his career.

Hortiz and Harbaugh have done very well in the draft. I don't think they're going to reach for anyone. If they draft someone who is considered a reach in the first, second, or third round, then I will question the experts' view of it, not Hortiz and Harbaugh's.