Los Angeles Chargers General Manager Shockingly Opens Up About NFL Draft Plans
New Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz sat down with the media on Thursday for his final press briefing before the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft next week.
Hortiz, along with rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh, faces a crucial decision with the fifth pick in the draft.
During the earlier part of the offseason, the duo reshaped the Chargers’ roster according to their vision. This involved trading the beloved team icon Keenan Allen and parting ways with wide receiver Mike Williams.
It seems likely that the Chargers will target a wide receiver with their fifth overall pick, especially as the first four selections in the draft are expected to be quarterbacks. However, this assumption may not be entirely accurate.
Los Angeles Chargers To Go Best Player Available In NFL Draft
“I think it’s best player available. Like I said, we want to add depth. Certainly, there are some positions that we don’t need,” Hortiz told reporters on Thursday. “If you look at it based on need, you’re never one player away.”
"you get a chance to add a great player .. you add 'em" pic.twitter.com/VSSeaKgkEA
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 18, 2024
Los Angeles finds itself in a favorable position where the best player available may also address a critical team need.
The Chicago Bears seem poised to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the top overall pick. Similarly, Washington Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters hinted at picking a quarterback when talking to reporters. If the New England Patriots retain the third pick, it’s widely believed they will target a quarterback after trading Mac Jones. In the meantime, the Arizona Cardinals, holding the fourth pick, are entertaining trade offers from teams in need of a quarterback.
Considering these developments, it’s possible that the Chargers will have their choice between wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State and Malik Nabers from LSU.
However, the Chargers’ internal draft board remains a mystery. They might even value Georgia tight end Brock Bowers as the top available player.
This scenario sets the stage for an intriguing lead-up to the 2024 NFL Draft’s first round in Southern California next week.
